Babouse

Babouse is a term, primarily encountered in historical French texts and occasionally in studies of North African culture, referring to a soft, heelless slipper, often made of leather and typically worn indoors. The term originates from the Arabic word babush (بابوش), which has a similar meaning.

Babouses were historically popular in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They are often associated with traditional clothing and are sometimes elaborately decorated with embroidery or other embellishments. They provided a comfortable and practical form of footwear suitable for the climate and indoor spaces.

Beyond their practical use, babouses sometimes held symbolic significance, depending on the region and context. Their color, material, and design could indicate the wearer's social status or regional origin.

In contemporary usage, the term "babouse" may also refer to similar styles of slippers, even if they are not directly sourced from or inspired by North African traditions. The slipper's defining characteristic remains its soft construction and heelless design.