Chukka

/ˈtʃʌkə/ noun

Definition

A period of play in polo, typically lasting 7.5 minutes, or a type of ankle-high boot often made of suede.

Etymology

From Hindi चक्कर (chakkar) meaning 'circle' or 'turn.' In polo, the term refers to a round or period of play. The boot style became associated with the term through the sport.

Kelly Says

Polo, the sport of kings, gave English a whole vocabulary borrowed from Hindi—'chukka,' 'polo,' 'khaki'—showing how colonial contact with India enriched English, especially among the aristocratic classes!

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