Furoshiki
/ˌfʊroʊˈʃiːki/noun
A square Japanese cloth used to wrap, carry, or present objects.
Did you know?During Japan’s Edo period, bathers used furoshiki to bundle their clothing at public bathhouses, helping give the cloth its name.
Etymological Timeline
8th Century
Japanese
tsutsumi
“A general wrapping or bundle; an earlier term for cloth-wrapping practices.”
14th–16th Century
Japanese
furo
“Bath or bathing place; from the compound 風呂.”
16th Century
Japanese
shiku
“To spread, lay out, or arrange.”
Edo Period
Japanese
furoshiki
“Literally “bath spread,” referring to cloth used to wrap bathers’ clothing at public bathhouses.”
Modern English
English
furoshiki
“A Japanese wrapping cloth used for carrying, storing, or gift-wrapping objects.”
Explore more surprising origins