Antigropelos

/ˌæntiˈɡroʊpɛloʊz/ noun

Definition

Waterproof coverings worn over shoes and the lower pants leg to keep feet and ankles dry in wet weather.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + gropelos, which comes from Spanish 'gorro' (hood) and possibly related to 'gota' (drop of water). Popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries as protective footwear.

Kelly Says

Antigropelos were the sneakers of the Victorian era—fashionable protective gear that let people wade through muddy streets without ruining their expensive shoes, showing how even 200 years ago people wanted practical fashion.

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