We Stole That from the Persians Quiz

Answer: Pajamas

Pajamas, which in the English speaking word typically means clothing worn to bed, comes from the Persian word "payjama" meaning leg garment. In many parts of the world, pajamas are thin pants worn for everyday use.

Answer: Scimitar

Scimitars are long swords with curved blades. The word scimitar comes from the Persian word "samsir" which means means sword. The Old Persian word "smsyl" also means sword.

Answer: Checkmate

Checkmate is a term in chess that indicates that king is about to be captured and there is no avoiding it. If a player checkmates his or her opponent, he or she wins. Checkmate comes from the Persian phrase "sah mat" which means the king is dead.

Answer: Khaki

Khaki comes from the Persian word "xaki" which means dusty or earth-colored. It refers to the color of khaki, which is a beige/green/yellow color. Khaki is typically used to describe pants and other articles of clothing.

Answer: Candy

Candy comes from the Persian word "qand" or "kand" which means sugar, referring to the main ingredient in candy. The Arabic word "qand" means hard candy.

Answer: Gizzard

Gizzard comes from the Persian word "jigar" which means liver. Gizzards are innards and organs of animals that are cooked and eaten. They are a delicacy in some places.

Answer: Magic

Magic comes from the Old Iranian word "mehzgh" which means to be able to. It also sometimes means to help or power. Another origin is the Old Persian word "magus" or "magoi" which refers to people who performed in various religious ceremonies.

Answer: Tapestry

Tapestry comes from the Persian word "tabidan" or "taftan" which means to twist or turn, which was a method used to make carpets and rugs. Tapestry may also come from the Latin word "tapis" which means heavy fabric.

Answer: Zircon

Zircon is a mineral that is often seen as a cheap substitute for diamonds. Zircons come in a variety of colors, including a golden color from which the mineral gets its name. The Persian word for gold is "zargun".

Answer: Caviar

Caviar comes from the Persian word "xavyar" which means egg holder or egg bearing. Caviar is a food that is made from the salt-cured roe or eggs of a sturgeon and other fish.