Why do you call a scarf a scarf?

Answer 1

According to one online dictionary, "scarf" has an unknown origin. It may have originated in the Old Norman French escarpe or Medieval Latin scrippum (a pilgrim's pack). It has a Scandinavian origin and Norwegian (skarv), the Swedish skarf, or the Low German/Dutch scherf. "Scarf" has been in use in some spelling since the mid 1400s.

Although "scarf" also describes the joining of timber, the most common meaning is a piece of cloth used to cover the head, ears, or neck.

In Russian and Polish cultures, a "scarf" is called a "babushka". A "babushka" can be tied at the back, or worn traditionally as a head covering that ties under the chin. Catholics often wore scarves or babushkas.

Answer 2

The word "scarf" can be traced back to the Old Northern French word "escharpe" meaning a sling or piece of armor. It evolved over time to refer to a decorative or protective piece of clothing worn around the neck, eventually becoming known as a "scarf" in English.