shampoo
sham-POO
/ʃæmˈpuː/
A liquid soap designed for washing hair or fur; or the act of washing with this substance.
Refers specifically to liquid cleansing agents formulated not to strip hair shafts. Pet shampoo must match animal skin pH.
The story behind the word. Brought to Britain in the 18th century from Mughal India, where 'chāmpo' meant to press or massage the head during a bath. Colonial travelers adopted liquid bath soap, anglicizing the Hindi word into 'shampoo'.
Word relationships
- cleanser: Cleanser can refer to facial or surface cleaners, whereas shampoo is specifically for hair and fur.
- soap: Soap usually refers to solid bars or general detergents.
- dirt: Dirt is foreign unwanted matter removed by shampoo.
Commonly confused with
- conditioner: Shampoo cleans and removes dirt, while conditioner moisturizes hair fibers afterwards.
Word family
- shampooed (verb): Washed thoroughly with shampoo.
- shampooing (noun): The action of lathering hair with liquid soap.
Collocations
- flea shampoo
- pet shampoo
- shampoo the coat
- medicated shampoo
Example sentences
- "Always select a hypoallergenic shampoo formulated specifically for sensitive dog skin." Pet store selection
Memory hook
SHAMPOO makes CHAMpions out of POOCHES with squeaky clean coats! Lather, massage, and rinse clean.
When not to use
Human shampoo should not be used on pets as human pH differs and causes severe skin irritation.
Fun facts
- Sake Dean Mahomed introduced shampooing baths to Britain in 1814, earning the title 'Shampooing Surgeon' to King George IV!
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