1. From the Hindi word "bangri":
* This is the most widely accepted origin.
* "Bangri" is a Hindi word for a type of bracelet, specifically the kind worn on the wrist.
* The word likely entered English through the trade routes between India and Britain during the colonial era.
2. From the Portuguese word "banguela":
* Some scholars believe that the word "bangle" might have originated from the Portuguese word "banguela," which means "bracelet" or "armlet."
* However, this theory is less supported and the connection is less direct.
The evidence points more strongly towards the Hindi origin. The word "bangri" is clearly related to the English "bangle" in terms of sound and meaning.
It's worth noting that, regardless of the origin, the word "bangle" has become a widely used and accepted term in English, referring specifically to a rigid bracelet, often made of metal or glass.