Oh how I love to make etymology posts. Today lets discuss where the word “Lingerie” comes from.  France, duh, but what does it mean?  According to the Online Etymology Dictionary:

“Lingerie: 1835 (but not in widespread use until 1852), from Fr. lingerie “things made of linen,” also “laundry room, linen shop” (15c.), from O.Fr. linge “linen” (12c.), from L. lineus (adj.) “of linen,” from linum “flax, linen” (see linen). Originally introduced in Eng. as a euphemism for scandalous under-linen. ”

That explanation seems fair.  Oddly enough, hardly any lingerie is made of linen anymore. Maybe it should more aptly be renamed to “cotterie”  or “silkerie” or, god forbid, “polyerie”, or maybe “leatherie” for the bolder ladies of the bunch.  But no, none of those terms have that sexy sonorous sound that “lingerie” does, it rolls off the tongue and asks you to linger longer.  I think it’s good advice to stick with what works.