nappy
UK[ˈnæpi]US[ˈnæpi]
n
a piece of soft, absorbent material worn by a baby to absorb and retain urine and feces; a diaper.
adj
(chiefly british) having a frizzy or fuzzy texture, typically used to describe hair.
Etymology
the noun 'nappy', meaning diaper, is a 20th-century british english development. it originates from the word 'napkin', itself derived from middle english 'nappe' (a tablecloth) via old french, and ultimately from latin 'mappa' meaning 'cloth' or 'towel'. the semantic journey narrowed from a general cloth to a specific piece of cloth for a baby. the adjective form, describing frizzy hair, draws a metaphorical link to the soft, raised fibers ('nap') on the surface of certain fabrics, applying that texture to describe a type of hair common among people of african descent. this dual evolution showcases how a word rooted in the concept of cloth can branch into distinct, culturally specific meanings.
Analysis
the word 'nappy' is a simplex word. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english. its primary meaning as a noun is a shortening of the earlier term 'napkin'. the adjective form relating to hair texture is likely derived from the noun 'nap', referring to the raised, fuzzy surface on fabric.
Examples
the new, more absorbent nappy kept the baby dry all night.
she has beautiful, thick, nappy hair that she often styles in braids.
we need to buy a pack of nappies before the baby arrives.