Mustache

Mustache

Noun · /məˈstɑːʃ/ (British: moustache /məˈstɑːʃ/)

Definition

A strip of hair left to grow above the upper lip; facial hair grown on the upper lip; the British spelling being moustache, the American spelling mustache.

Origin

From French moustache, from Italian mostaccio, from Medieval Greek moustakion, diminutive of mystax (upper lip, moustache), from Greek mystax (upper lip, hence the hair on it), from myein (to be closed, related to mys: lip or muscle). The connection to the PIE root for closing or shutting — the mouth. The moustache being a culturally significant feature across history — from the ancient Scythians to Victorian gentleman to Movember's fundraising campaign.