khaki
The origin and history of khaki.
Etymology
Borrowed from Urdu/Hindi khaki, meaning "dusty" or "dust-coloured", ultimately from Persian khak ("dust"). The colour became linked with military uniforms after British troops adopted it for camouflage during colonial campaigns in the 1800s.
Class of 1800
khaki first entered the language around 1800. Other words from the same year:
See the full Class of 1800 →