The term rug is derived from the Scandinavian word rugga by way of the old Norwegian word rogg, which meant a wool covering for the bed or body. For several centuries in Europe, the term rug denoted a rough, heavy woolen fabric characterized by a coarse, napped finish and used as apparel by the poorer classes.
The term carpet was used originally to describe coverings for tables, beds, and other furniture, and only from the early 18th century was it associated with the floor. The modern usage is imprecise and includes all woven floor coverings and some textiles, such as wall hangings, furniture coverings, and saddlebags, made with a knotted pile or woven like a tapestry. The word carpet is ultimately derived from the Latin carpere, ””to pluck or seize,”” thus implying a plucking of wool or carding of wool fibers, and reflects the fact that for centuries wool has been used in making carpets.

carpet [ k?rp?t ]
noun (plural carpets)
1. floor covering: thick fabric for covering a floor
2. piece of floor covering: a piece of thick, heavy fabric covering the floor of a room or area
3. layer or covering: a layer or covering ( literary )
a carpet of snow


rug [ rug ] (plural rugs)
noun
1. fabric floor covering: a thick heavy fabric covering for a floor, especially one that is smaller than a carpet
2. animal skin mat: an animal skin used as a mat or small carpet
3. blanket: a thick blanket, especially one formerly used by car or carriage passengers to cover their legs and feet
4. hairpiece: a toupee or wig ( informal )

[Mid-16th century. Origin uncertain: probably from a Scandinavian word.]

I guess it all just depends on your topographical location as well as to what century you were born into as to the meaning of either.

Rev. Alimae


Rev. Alimae