'denim' originates from French, specifically the phrase 'serge de Nîmes,' where 'serge' meant 'a type of fabric' and 'de Nîmes' referred to the city of Nîmes in France.

'serge de Nîmes' transformed into the English word 'denim' as it became popular in the textile industry.

Initially, it referred to a specific type of fabric from Nîmes, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a durable cotton fabric used for clothing.