The Spanish word 'camisa' (meaning 'shirt') comes from the Late Latin word 'camisia', which meant 'linen shirt' or 'undergarment'. Interestingly, this Latin term is believed to have been borrowed from Proto-Germanic '*χamiþja', also meaning 'shirt'. This is one of many examples where Latin borrowed terms from Germanic languages, contrary to the more common pattern of Germanic languages borrowing from Latin.

The word 'camisa' is a fundamental Spanish clothing term, and you'll find it in common compound words and related terms like 'camiseta' (t-shirt), 'camisón' (nightgown), and 'camisería' (shirt shop). These related words all maintain the core meaning related to upper body garments.

While English 'shirt' is not directly related to 'camisa', English borrowed this same word through French to give us 'chemise', which refers to a loose-fitting dress or undergarment. The word maintains a meaning quite close to its Latin ancestor 'camisia'. You might also recognize this root in 'camisole', another English word for a sleeveless undergarment.