The word "皮草" is formed by combining "皮" (pí), meaning "skin" or "leather", and "草" (cǎo), meaning "grass" or "straw". It originated from historical practices in trading ports like Shanghai, where fur and leather goods were stored in warehouses packed with straw to absorb moisture and prevent damage; over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to fur garments and high-end leather products, with "草" referencing the protective straw rather than the material itself.