If you've ever wondered where the slang word "scrubs" (used to describe medical uniforms) came from, you need to go back to the 1970's, when surgeons used to don the green garments, (the minty green cap, short-sleeved top, and pants). The term "scrubs" (not to be confused with the television program) came about as a result of the way the surgeons physicians "scrubbed" their hands and arms before going into surgery, and were in a sterile, "scrubbed" condition.

After that, people started referring to the medical outfits that they wore in surgery or in the labs as scrubs, and more or less refers to all of the medical style uniforms and outfits.

In the old days, all of the surgical and medical uniforms were totally white, but nowadays, hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities have more than just the pastel minty green to choose from. Women's and men's scrubs come in a whole rainbow of colors. Although there is no "official" scheme to the colors, the surgeon teams typically still prefer to wear the green or light blue.