Why do they call pajamas pyjamas?

The term “pajamas” (or “pyjamas” in British English) has an interesting origin that comes from South Asia. Here’s the full story:

Origin of the Word “Pajamas”

  1. From South Asia to English

    • The word “pajama” comes from the Hindi and Urdu word “pāy-jāma”.

    • “Pāy” means leg and “jāma” means garment, so it literally translates to “leg garment.”

    • Originally, it referred to loose-fitting trousers tied at the waist, worn in India, Pakistan, and neighboring regions.

  2. Introduced to Britain

    • During the 17th and 18th centuries, British colonizers in India adopted this style of comfortable clothing for sleeping and lounging.

    • They brought the concept back to Europe, where the loose trousers were paired with shirts or tunics for nightwear.

  3. Evolution into Modern Sleepwear

    • Over time, the term “pajamas” came to describe a complete set of sleepwear—top and bottom—rather than just trousers.

    • In British English, the spelling “pyjamas” became standard, while Americans generally use “pajamas.”

Why It Stuck

  • The loose, comfortable style made pajamas ideal for sleep and relaxation, which is why the name became associated with nightwear.

  • Today, “pajamas” refer to virtually any top-and-bottom sleepwear set, regardless of style or fabric.

✅ In short: The word pajamas comes from South Asia, meaning “leg garment,” and was adopted into English by British colonizers, eventually evolving into the modern sleepwear we know today.

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