Loose-fitting garments worn for sleeping or lounging, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers. The term is usually used in plural form as 'pajamas' in American English.
From Hindi पायजामा (pāyjāmā) and Urdu پائجامہ (pā'jāma), meaning 'leg garment', composed of پا (pā) 'leg' + جامہ (jāma) 'garment'. British colonials adopted these comfortable loose trousers worn in India and brought the word into English in the early 18th century.
Pajamas were originally daywear for men in India - loose, comfortable trousers perfect for the hot climate! British colonials were so impressed by their comfort that they adopted them as nightwear, completely changing their function from day clothes to sleepwear.
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