The word "chappal" refers to a type of sandal commonly worn in South Asia. It is spelled with a double P and a single L, and pronounced /tʃəˈpɑːl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is a voiceless postalveolar affricate, similar to "ch" in "cheese". The second sound is a schwa, like the "a" in "sofa". The third sound is a voiced bilabial plosive, like the "p" in "pig". The fourth sound is an open back unrounded vowel, like the "a" in "father". The last sound is a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative, similar to "l" in "slip".
Chappal, a noun of Hindi origin, refers to a traditional type of open-toed footwear commonly worn in South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Also known as "flip-flops" or "thongs" in English, chappals are usually flat, lightweight, and uncomplicated in design. They consist of a sole made of rubber or other flexible material that is attached to the foot by a simple strap passing between the big toe and the adjacent toe. This strap is often made of leather, fabric, or rubber, providing minimal support and leaving most of the foot exposed.
Chappals are typically worn for casual or informal occasions, as they are easy to slip on and off and provide comfort in hot climates. They are particularly popular in rural areas and among lower-income populations, but are also used by people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The term "chappal" is often used to describe any type of flat, slip-on footwear worn in South Asia, regardless of the materials or style.
In recent decades, chappals have gained attention as a fashion statement, with designers incorporating embellishments, vibrant colors, and even high-end materials into their designs. Modern variations of chappals may feature decorative elements or be made from synthetic materials. Despite these changes, the essence of chappal as a simplistic and versatile piece of footwear remaining intact.
The word "chappal" is derived from the Hindi language, specifically from the Hindi word "chappal" (चप्पल). The Hindi word itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "padapallava" (पदपल्लव), where "pada" means "foot" and "pallava" means "tender leaf". Over time, the term evolved into "chappal", referring to a type of footwear that was originally made from plant materials or leather and had a simple, slip-on design. The word "chappal" is widely used in various South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, where it commonly refers to flip-flops or sandals.