Why were rags on the piano called rags?

The term "ragtime" was coined by American pianist and composer William Krell in the 1890s to describe a new style of music that was popular in the African-American community. The name was derived from the syncopated rhythms of the music, which were similar to those found in African music. The term "rags" was simply a shortened form of "ragtime."

Rags were typically played on the piano, and they were often characterized by their fast tempo, syncopated rhythms, and use of improvisation. Some of the most famous ragtime composers include Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, and James Scott. Ragtime music was popular in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s, and it had a significant influence on the development of jazz music.