You Say Tomato – The “Flip Flop” Name
“You say tomato, I say tomato,” is the famous phrase from the great jazz song “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” Luis Armstrong sang about how we say things differently.
“Flip flops” is one way to refer to the heel-less sandal, the slipper, usually with the y-shaped straps that are bound in front near center hole for the big toe and next toe. But there are many other names. Know them, just to know them. It is a joy to be with others from around the world and to comment on and laugh about the many names, depending on country’s use.
We have stories to tell.
Let’s review THE NAMES:
- Flip flop — is the term used by Americans and Brits. It likely is named onamatopoiea-esquely for the sound you hear when you step across the floor, the flat of the heel-less sandal flapping against your heel—flip flop, flip flop!
- Jandal — is the word used by New Zealanders. They often think they invented the footwear. I respect them for that. Post WWII, they applied “Japan” and “sandal” for “Jandal,” giving credit where much was due.
- Thong — well, this is just funny to everyone except Australians who see the Y shape of the bindings. Others enjoy it for ….whatever, the slight underwear covering this or that. But a thong is a thong, whatever you want to call it. That’s all good.
- Zori, in Japan; or the wooden clog, the Geta.
- Plakkie, in South Africa.
The footwear is rich in history and linguistic variation.
- Tsinelas, in the Philippines, with Spanish and Portuguese colonization remnants. Is there something of Tagalog here?
- Chinelas in Portuguese, and
- Chanclas in Spanish.
Oh, so rich. There must be so much more to these terms and of the uses, accommodations, and customs of the flip flop.
Rich, Rich, Rich.
Tell Your Story
In summary, the language of the flip flop carries traditions and sounds and practices and rituals of life over the generations. The flip flop has its place in many of our hearts. I have more stories to tell on them. Please pass on your histories or linguistic insights, as well as personal reminisces of the flip flop in your family and community.