salwar
Noun: A type of traditional lower garment, specifically a pair of loose-fitting trousers that are wide at the top and taper to a snug fit around the ankles. It is a fundamental article of clothing for women, and some men, in the Indian subcontinent, typically worn as part of a suit with a kameez (a long tunic) and a dupatta (a long scarf).
The word "salwar" refers specifically to the trousers themselves. It is most commonly used in the context of describing the complete traditional outfit, which is often called "salwar kameez" or "shalwar kameez." - She bought a beautiful new salwar to match her kameez. - The traditional outfit consists of a kameez, a salwar, and a dupatta. - Comfortable salwars are ideal for daily wear.
- The term can be used to describe the style or cut of the trousers (e.g., "a Patiala salwar" refers to a style with very voluminous pleats).
- In fashion contexts, "salwar" may be used to denote the trouser component in fusion wear, where a traditional salwar might be paired with a contemporary top.
- Shalwar: An alternate, common spelling of the same word.
- Salwar Kameez / Shalwar Kameez (noun phrase): The name for the complete ensemble of the trousers (), tunic (), and often a scarf ().
- Churidar (noun): A different style of tight-fitting trousers often worn with a kameez. While similar in function, churidars are distinct in their cut and appearance from a standard salwar.
- Drawers (archaic, in this specific cultural context)
- Trousers (general term, but lacks the specific cultural and stylistic meaning)
The primary and only meaning of "salwar" is the specific garment described. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses, as it is a concrete noun for a clothing item. Its usage is almost exclusively tied to South Asian culture and fashion.
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a pair of light loose trousers with a tight fit around the ankles; worn by women from the Indian subcontinent (usually with a kameez)
