corduroy

the origin of 'corduroy' is famously obscure, with several plausible but unproven theories. the most popular folk etymology suggests it derives from the french phrase 'corde du roi', meaning "the king's cord," though this is linguistically doubtful. a more likely hypothesis connects it to the english surname 'corderey' or to a simple combination of 'cord' and an old fabric name like 'duroy' or 'deroy'. regardless of its precise source, the word emerged in late 18th-century england to name a durable, ribbed cotton fabric, initially used for workmen's clothing before becoming a fashion staple.

the word is a loanword of uncertain origin, treated as a simplex form in modern english. it does not lend itself to segmentation into productive english morphemes.