Brogan
/ˈbroʊ.ɡən/noun
A sturdy, heavy shoe or ankle boot, originally associated with rough outdoor wear.
Did you know?Brogan entered English through Irish usage and originally referred to a coarse, heavy shoe; the word’s exact deeper origin is uncertain, but it’s long been tied to working-class, military, and rural life rather than elegance.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
Irish
bróg
“A shoe or boot”
17th–18th Century
English
brogue
“A sturdy shoe, especially a heavy country shoe”
18th Century
English
brogan
“A coarse, heavy shoe or boot”
19th Century
English
brogan
“A rough, durable shoe worn by laborers or soldiers”
Modern English
English
brogan
“A heavy shoe or ankle boot”
Explore more surprising origins