Meaning and usage of the word pinny in English

The word "pinny" is a diminutive form of the word "pinafore," which is derived from the Tamil word "pennirukku" meaning "manger" or "trough." During the British colonial rule of India in the 18th century, the Tamil word became anglicized as "pagnee" or "pinni," which the British used to refer to the simple, knee-length dress made of cloth with a bib-front worn by Indian women and children. When the pagnee/pinni style of dress became popular in England in the mid-19th century, it was referred to as a "pinafore" by the British. The term "pinny" emerged as a diminutive form of the word "pinafore," a term which has stuck until the present day. Today, a pinny can refer to a simple, loose-fitting apron-like garment similar to the original pinafore, worn as a protective garment in various activities such as cooking, gardening, or painting.