Definition of shorts

The word "shorts" originated in the late 19th century as a shortened form of "short trousers," which were themselves a type of men's clothing popularized during that period. The term "short trousers" evolved from the traditional "long trousers," emphasizing the shortened length. By the early 20th century, "shorts" became the standard term for these garments, used for both men and women. Today, "shorts" encompasses a diverse range of styles and lengths, from knee-length to ultra-short, but their origins remain rooted in the shortened trousers of the late 19th century.