Not just a "hood." What is the best way to refer to this clothing piece in Ukrainian?

The language is constantly evolving, and often we don't even think about the origins of the familiar words we use daily. This question becomes particularly acute when it comes to clothing items that we wear every day.

The French word "капюшон" has become so entrenched in the Ukrainian language that it has almost displaced the Ukrainian equivalents. However, our language offers a rich selection of its own words to describe this clothing item. Which words should we use in this case? The "Telegraph" has looked into this.

What does the word "капюшон" mean and what are its Ukrainian equivalents?

The French word "капюшон" (capuchon) refers to a part of outerwear that resembles a head covering attached to the collar or as part of the garment's design. This wardrobe element is used to protect the head from bad weather and can be either a single piece or consist of two parts with a zipper.

The Ukrainian language offers a wide range of authentic words: "каптур", "відлога", "затула", "коба", "кобка", "бородиця", "нахлучка", "кобень", "ворок" and "відкидка". Each of these words has its own history and usage characteristics in different regions of Ukraine.

Particular attention should be paid to the word "башлик" — a borrowing from the Turkic language. This term traditionally refers to a hooded garment with long ends worn over a hat for additional protection against the cold.

An interesting fact about the hood

Historically, this clothing element has played not only a practical role. For example, hoods were used as identifying marks of belonging to certain groups. The most well-known example is the white hood with eye holes, which became a symbol of the Ku Klux Klan.

Choosing the right word depends on the context and personal preferences of the speaker. The key is to remember the richness of the Ukrainian language and to fully utilize its capabilities.

As a reminder, earlier the "Telegraph" wrote about how to properly express support to a sick person in the Ukrainian language. One should not say "виздоровлюй".