Pronunciation: [dˈɑːbɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "derbies" might seem confusing due to the presence of the letter "e" instead of "y." However, the pronunciation of the word helps in understanding its spelling. "Derbies" is spelled with an "e" because it comes from the word "Derby" which is pronounced as /ˈdɑrbi/ with an "ar" sound. Hence, the plural form of "Derby" is spelled with an "e" to maintain the "ar" sound, resulting in the spelling "derbies" /ˈdɑrbiz/.
Derbies refer to sturdy, low-heeled shoes with open lacing, typically worn by both men and women. This style of footwear originated in the mid-19th century as a sporting shoe for men, but has since expanded to become a versatile shoe worn for various occasions. Derbies are characterized by their open lacing system, where the eyelet tabs are sewn on top of the vamp, thereby allowing for easy adjustment and a comfortable fit. The construction of these shoes typically involves a single piece of leather for the upper, which is then stitched to the sole.
Derbies are often associated with a more casual or relaxed style, making them suitable for everyday wear, as well as for semi-formal events. Their versatility makes them a popular choice amongst both men and women, as they can be paired with various ensembles including jeans, chinos, skirts, or dresses. In recent years, fashion trends have led to variations in derbies, with different materials, colors, and designs now available, catering to different style preferences.
Due to their enduring popularity and versatility, derbies have cemented their place in the fashion world as a timeless classic shoe, capable of complementing a wide range of outfits while providing comfort and style.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "derbies" has its origin in the 19th century as a term to describe a type of horse race, known as a Derby, named after the 12th Earl of Derby. The first Derby race took place in 1780 and was held in England at Epsom Downs. As horse racing became popular, similar races were organized in other countries, and the term "Derby" was adopted to refer to prestigious races of this kind.
Over time, the term "Derby" was also applied to other sports events or competitions that followed a similar format, such as the Kentucky Derby, which is a famous horse race held annually in the United States since 1875. Gradually, the term "derbies" was used colloquially to refer to any competition or match considered important or prestigious.
