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Togs? Where does the name come from?


Carey
6th February 2009, 03:21 PM
Where does this word originate from? How do you get from 'swimming costume' or 'bathing suit' to 'togs'?

Just wondering!

emka
6th February 2009, 06:56 PM
Here's what the Online Etymology Dictionary says:
1708, "any outer garment," shortened from togman "cloak, loose coat" (1567), thieves' cant word, formed from Fr. togue "cloak," from L. toga (see toga). M.E. toge "toga" (14c.) was also a cant word for "coat." Plural form togs is first recorded 1779. Toggery "clothes collectively" is recorded from 1812.
(www.etymonline.com)

Gemini
6th February 2009, 07:42 PM
In the Uk we used to say "get your togs on", but it meant clothing, not swimwear.

JandM
6th February 2009, 09:44 PM
In the Uk we used to say "get your togs on", but it meant clothing, not swimwear.Same here. Rather nice to think we were by derivation being told to put on our togas!

dylan
7th February 2009, 09:18 AM
TOGS-- isn't that Terry Wogans morning radio show listeners??;):laugh:laugh

tea drinker
7th February 2009, 01:19 PM
I like the idea of getting my toggery
I'm sure that Terry would be highly amused :D


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