Pajamas are clothing garments that are generally worn when sleeping or napping. The word pajama was incorporated into English from the Hindustani language and originally derives from the Persian word dayjama meaning leg garment.
Pajamas were originally introduced in England during the 17th Century and used as loungewear. They soon went out of fashion, but were brought back around 1870 by cowboys and settlers in the West.
There are a variety of spellings and nicknames for pajamas. In Europe, they are known as pyjamas and are sometimes referred to as blanket sleepers or sleep suits. In Asia and South Africa, they are referred to as night suits and are sometimes spelled pijamas. In colloquial speech, sleeping pajamas are often called jim jams or jammies.
Such a garment is used by various persons in India e.g. by women of various classes, by Sikh men, and most by Mahommedans of both sexes. It was adopted from the Mahommedans by Europeans as an article of dishabille and of night attire. It is probable that we English took the habit like a good many others from the Portuguese. Thus Pyarard says, in speaking of Goa Hospital: Ils ont force calsons sans quoy ne couchent iamais les Portugais des Indes. The word is now used in London shops. A friend furnishes the following reminiscence: The late Mr. B, tailor in Jermyn Street, some 40 years ago, in reply to a question why pyjammas had feet sewn on to them (as was sometimes the case with those furnished by London outfitters) answered: I believe, Sir, it is because of the White Ants. Examples. 1828: His chief joy smoking a cigar in loose Paee-jams and native slippers: The rest of our attire consisted of that particularly light and airy white flannel garment, known throughout India as a pajama suit. Narrow churidar silk pyjamas (with mojari shoes) as worn in South Asia.
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