Pronunciation: [lˈʌŋɡiz] (IPA) 
The word "lungis" is a plural noun that refers to a type of garment worn in South Asia. It is spelled with a "g" in the middle, despite being pronounced as if it were spelled "lungis". This is because the "g" represents a voiced velar stop sound, which is commonly found in languages like Hindi and Bengali. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word might be written as /ˈlʊŋɡis/.
Lungis are a type of traditional clothing item commonly worn in South and Southeast Asian countries, particularly in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. This unisex garment is essentially a long piece of fabric, usually cotton, which is wrapped around the lower body and secured at the waist.
Lungis typically measure around two meters in length and are available in various colors, patterns, and fabric designs, catering to personal style preferences and cultural traditions. They often feature a border or decorative element along the edges. Lungis can be plain or adorned with intricate motifs, such as floral patterns or geometric shapes.
Traditionally, lungis were worn by men, especially in rural areas, where they provided comfort in hot climates. However, in recent years, lungis have become popular among women too, reflecting changing fashion trends and a desire for greater gender inclusivity in clothing choices.
Lungis are versatile garments that can be worn in different ways depending on cultural practices and individual preferences. They can be worn high up on the waist or low on the hips and may be fastened with a knot or tuck. Lungis are often paired with a matching or contrasting short-sleeved shirt, known as a kurta, for a complete traditional outfit. However, they can also be worn with a regular shirt or blouse for a more fusion or casual look.
In addition to being worn as everyday clothing, lungis are also popular as sleepwear, beachwear, and even as towels due to their absorbent nature.
The word "lungis" is derived from the Tamil language, predominantly spoken in the southern part of India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, the word is "லுங்கி" (luŋki), which refers to a traditional garment worn by men. Over time, this term has been adopted and borrowed by various other languages in the region, such as Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, with slight variations in pronunciation and spelling. The word has become familiar and commonly used in India to refer to this type of garment.
