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Shammy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shammy

[หˆสƒรฆmi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fabric cleaning

A shammy is a piece of soft, absorbent leather, typically made from deer or sheepskin, used for drying or polishing surfaces, particularly in the automotive or glass cleaning industries. It is known for its ability to absorb moisture efficiently.

Synonyms

chamois, drying cloth, leather cloth.

Examples of usage

  • I used a shammy to dry my car after washing it.
  • The window cleaner prefers using a shammy for a streak-free finish.
  • After swimming, I grabbed a shammy to dry off quickly.
  • For best results, use a shammy to polish your glasses.
Context #2 | Verb

cleaning technique

To shammy means to clean or dry something using a shammy cloth. This method is often employed for delicate surfaces to avoid scratches while ensuring thorough drying.

Synonyms

dry, polish, wipe.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to shammy the car after washing for a perfect shine.
  • He carefully shammyed the glasses to avoid any damage.
  • You should shammy the table after itโ€™s washed to retain its luster.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'shammy'

The term 'shammy' originates from the word 'chamois', which refers to a type of animal often used to produce this soft leather. The word 'chamois' itself comes from the French 'chamois', which means a type of goat-like animal found in the mountains of Europe. The use of chamois leather for cleaning has been popular since at least the 17th century, particularly for its absorbent qualities and softness, making it ideal for various applicationsโ€”from drying cars to polishing fine furniture. Over time, the spelling evolved into 'shammy' as it became integrated into English usage. Nowadays, shammy cloths are widely manufactured and sold in various forms, including synthetic alternatives that mimic the traditional properties of chamois leather.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,693, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.