The Spanish word 'ropa' (meaning 'clothing') has an interesting Germanic origin, tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word '*raupjan', which meant 'to pluck' or 'to rob'. This evolved into the Gothic word '*raupa', meaning 'booty' or 'spoils' - likely referring to garments and valuables taken as plunder. The word then entered Medieval Latin as 'rauba', where it specifically came to mean 'clothing' or 'garments'. Finally, it evolved into the Spanish 'ropa', maintaining its meaning of 'clothing'.

This etymology shows how a word's meaning can shift from an action (plucking/robbing) to the items obtained through that action (spoils/booty), and finally settling on a specific type of goods (clothing). The sound changes from '*raupjan' to 'ropa' show a typical pattern of simplification over time, with the diphthong 'au' becoming 'o' and the final syllable being simplified.

The Spanish word 'ropero' (meaning 'wardrobe' or 'closet') and 'ropaje' (meaning 'apparel' or 'garments') are common derivatives of 'ropa'. The diminutive form 'ropita' is also frequently used to refer to small items of clothing or baby clothes.

While English 'robe' and 'rob' are related to Spanish 'ropa', coming from the same Germanic root. 'Rob' maintains the original meaning of taking something by force, while 'robe' - like Spanish 'ropa' - refers to clothing, specifically a long, loose outer garment. This shows how related words can preserve different aspects of the original meaning in different languages.