The Etymology of Brogue
Brogue carries two distinct meanings, but both come from one humble Gaelic shoe.βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ Irish brΓ³g and Scottish Gaelic brΓ²g both mean shoe, descending from Old Irish brΓ³c, itself a borrowing from Old Norse brΓ³k (leg covering, trousers) β the same Germanic root that gives English breeches. The original brogue was a rough rawhide moccasin worn in the Gaelic countryside; its surface was often punctured with small holes to let bog water drain out as the wearer walked. English speakers borrowed brogue in the 16th century to denote this rustic Irish or Highland Scottish footwear. From the late 17th century the word also names a strong rural Irish accent β the brogue of a country man β most likely a metaphor in which the rough shoe stood for the rough tongue of its wearer. The modern fashion brogue, an Oxford or derby decorated with perforated patterns, preserves the original drainage holes as pure decoration.