dungaree

These started out as tough work clothes, made for jobs that were dirty and hard on fabric. In modern British English, the word usually means overalls with a front bib and shoulder straps. In older or some American use, it can also mean heavy work pants or denim trousers. You might picture someone wearing them while painting a wall, working in a garden, or spending a relaxed day outside.

The word comes from dungri, the name of a strong cotton cloth from India. Over time, what began as practical clothing for workers also became a casual fashion choice. Today, the idea still suggests comfort, strength, and a simple, easygoing style.

The story of dungarees begins in India, where a strong, coarse cotton cloth called dungri was made near Mumbai. British traders and sailors took both the fabric and its name abroad. At first, the word referred to the cloth itself rather than to a particular piece of clothing.

Later, the meaning widened. It came to be used for sturdy work trousers made from heavy cotton or denim, especially in older American English. In British English, however, the word settled into a more specific meaning: overalls with a bib at the chest and straps over the shoulders. Because they were practical and hard-wearing, they became common among farmers, painters, mechanics, and other workers who needed clothes that could handle dirt and rough use.

As time went on, dungarees moved beyond the workplace. Children wore them for comfort and freedom of movement, and adults adopted them as casual everyday clothing. Designers also reworked them in different colors, cuts, and fabrics. Today, the word still carries the feel of something sturdy and informal, but its exact meaning depends on the variety of English: in the UK it usually means bib overalls, while in older or occasional US use it can mean jeans or other heavy work pants.