16 English words that originated from the Arabic language

We all know someone who will try to find an Arab link to almost anything and everything, but when it comes to the English language, chances are, that person may be right.

A closer look at the Merriam Webster dictionary could prove that we have Arabic speakers to thank for our smoky eyeliner trends and delicate face cloths and that people from the region have celebrated the fashionable side of gold for a very long time.

Here are 16 English words in your >fashion and >beauty vocab that originated from the Arabic language:

In English, we use the term to measure every 200 mg of gemstones and pearls and the Arabic word, pronounced "qi:ra:t", means "small weight".

The white fiber that grows around cotton plant seeds is a staple in any bathroom. In Arabic, the word for 'plant' is pronounced "quant".

Thanks to its caffeine properties, coffee ("qahwa" in Arabic) is used in many body scrubs and beauty products to help minimize the look of cellulite and boost circulation.

The next time you're applying red lipstick or slipping on a dress in the shade, remember the Arabic word is "qirmazi", which comes from the word "qirmiz", the insect that provides the dye for the hue.

The Arabic word "al-iksi:r" sounds so similar to the English version and is the general term for a healing lotion or potion.

Not much explanation needed here; the Arabic word for the dye used on the body is "h'enna" too.

While some call it a sweater or a pullover, the Brits call it a jumper, which originates from the Arabic word "jubba".

It's been used since ancient times to darken the eyelids, and in modern times, the charcoal product is embraced across the world for use in makeup products like mascara. Pronounced "kohl" too, it comes from the word "kah'ala" for stain or paint.

The Egyptian Arabic word "lu:fah" comes from the fibrous plant whose pods can be used as sponges.

Macramé (from "miqrama", which means "striped cloth"), is continually making a style comeback, whether around the home as a tablecloth or on supermodels walking the Fashion Week runway.

It's hard not to look a little silly when applying mud to your face or peeling off charcoal, so it's no wonder the English word is thought to be closely related to "maskhara", which means "buffoon" in Arabic.

Your favorite sweater is probably made from this and it comes from the word "mukhayyar" – a cloth made from the hair of a goat.

Many beauty brands sing the praises of this lightweight cotton cloth and the word stems from "Maus,il" in Arabic, with Mosul, Iraq, being the place it was first manufactured.

This item is usually worn by participants of beauty pageants. It evolved from "sha:sh", and is related to the "muslin" cloth.

You may use the word to describe the color of your shirt and the meaning isn't too far off in Arabic either. "Siqilla:t" in Arabic means "cloth adorned with images" or a bright cloth in general.

The word stems back to the Arabic term "sikkah", which stands for "coin", and with sequins looking like little decorative coins, it makes total sense.