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

Related Words

פרחהערסיתטחונה