chaparreras
/t͡ʃapareɾas/from spelling rules
The English word "chaps" is translated into Spanish as chaparreras.
chaparreras refers to protective leather leggings that are attached at the waist.
Meaning: Protective leather leggings attached at the waist (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word is commonly used in Mexico and the Southwestern United States to describe the leather leggings worn by vaqueros.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural form chaparreras is the most common way to refer to the garment, you can use the singular form la chaparrera to refer to a single piece.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃapareɾas/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, the term chaparreras can sometimes refer to the mudguards or fender flares on a vehicle, protecting the car body from debris.
- The word chaparreras shares a linguistic root with chaparral, referring to the dense, thorny scrubland where these protective leggings were essential to avoid scratches.
- The 'vaquero' culture that popularized chaparreras is the direct ancestor of the American cowboy, meaning the Spanish term predates the English 'chaps'.
Examples in context
- Me compré unas chaparreras nuevas para usar durante el festival vaquero.I bought some new chaps to wear during the cowboy festival.
- Las chaparreras son de cuero grueso.The chaps are made of thick leather.
- Necesito comprar unas chaparreras nuevas para el rodeo.I need to buy some new chaps for the rodeo.
- Él lleva sus chaparreras puestas.He is wearing his chaps.
Example conversation
Mateo is preparing his gear for a ride in the brush.
- María¿Dónde dejaste tus chaparreras, Mateo?Where did you leave your chaps, Mateo?
- MateoEstán sobre la silla de montar.They are on the saddle.
- MaríaAsegúrate de que tus chaparreras estén limpias.Make sure your chaps are clean.
- MateoSí, ya las estoy limpiando.Yes, I am cleaning them now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
