Pajamas

/pəˈdʒɑːməz/ (US), /pəˈdʒɑːməz/ or /pəˈdʒæməz/ (var.) noun

Definition

Pajamas are loose, comfortable clothes worn for sleeping, usually a matching top and pants.

Etymology

From Hindi and Urdu *pāyjāma* or *pājāma* meaning “leg clothing,” from Persian *pāy* “leg” and *jāma* “garment.” The word entered English during British colonial rule in South Asia.

Kelly Says

Pajamas started as loose daytime trousers in South Asia before becoming nightwear in Europe. Even your sleepwear carries a history of cultural borrowing and empire, quietly wrapped around you every night.

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