شبشب
shibshib
The Arabic word for slipper is شبشب (shibshib).
شبشب refers to a low shoe usually worn indoors.
Meaning: low shoe usually worn indoors (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf region, such as the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, the term سندل is used to refer to slippers. In North African countries like Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, people commonly use the term بابوش to express slippers.
How do you pronounce it?
shibshib
Did you know?
- In many Arabic households, the شبشب is jokingly referred to as a tool of discipline, as mothers are stereotypically depicted using one to chase children.
- The word شبشب is onomatopoeic, meaning it was created to imitate the actual sound made by the object hitting a floor or a foot.
- When translating 'slippers' into formal Arabic, one might see the word خف (khuff), which historically refers to a specific type of leather sock or footwear worn by early Muslims.
Examples in context
- أين شبشب البيت؟Ayna shibshib al-bayt?Where is the house slipper?
- اشتريت شبشب جديد اليوم.Ishtaraytu shibshib jadid al-yawm.I bought a new slipper today.
Example conversation
Ziad and Sarah are at home near the entrance.
- زياد Ziadسارة، هل رأيتِ شبشب أزرق؟Sarah, hal ra'ayti shibshib azraq?Sarah, have you seen a blue slipper?
- سارة Saraنعم، هو تحت الطاولة.Na'am, huwa tahta al-tawila.Yes, it is under the table.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا سارة.Shukran laki ya Sarah.Thank you, Sarah.
- سارة Saraعفواً، يا زياد.Afwan, ya Ziad.You are welcome, Ziad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries شبشب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
