צַ'פַּצ'וּלָה
Chapchula
/tʃaptʃuˈla/Definition
Woman lacking taste or style, vulgar in behavior or appearance
Origin & History
The word "צַ'פַּצ'וּלָה" (chapchula) in Israeli Hebrew came from Ladino, which adopted it from Turkish. In Turkish, the word "צַ׳פַּצ׳וּל" (çapçul) was used as a term for a person dressed carelessly or sloppily, and it itself is borrowed from the Persian word "צַ׳פַּאן" (çapan), which means worn and dirty clothes. In Ladino, the word was adopted in its Turkish form, and when it reached Israeli Hebrew, it was borrowed in the feminine form - "צַ'פַּצ'וּלָה" (chapchula). In Hebrew, the word refers mainly to women and its use is similar to the word "פרחה" (freha) - a derogatory term for a woman who is considered to have bad taste, flashy clothing, vulgar behavior, or a low cultural level. The word often carries with it also connotations of low socio-economic status, and therefore its use is considered offensive and disrespectful.
Language Evolution
Persian
çapan
Worn and dirty clothes
Turkish
çapçul
Person dressed carelessly or sloppily
Ladino
çapçul
Slovenly person
Modern Hebrew
צַ'פַּצ'וּלָה (chapchula)
Woman with bad taste or vulgar appearance