Here's a breakdown of its journey:
* Hindi "champu": Meaning "to massage" or "to press." This was the original term for a type of head massage used in India, often using oil and herbs.
* Hindustani "chāmpo": This is a more modern pronunciation of the Hindi word, and it was introduced to the English language through British colonizers in India.
* English "shampoo": The word was first recorded in English in the 18th century, likely borrowed from Hindustani "chāmpo". It initially referred to the massage itself, but later came to describe the product used for cleansing hair.
So, the word "shampoo" is a fascinating example of linguistic borrowing and evolution, ultimately originating from an ancient Indian practice.