Definition
Transparent or translucent plastic shoes, typically brightly colored or glittered, made of rubber-like polyvinyl chloride material; a major fashion trend in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly popular with children and young people.
Example Usage
I had hot pink jelly shoes with glitter that I wore everywhere in the '90s.
Origin
Emerged as a fashion trend in the 1970s-1980s, originating from Brazil; the term comes from their translucent, gel-like appearance.
Fun Fact
Jelly shoes have made multiple comebacks in fashion, particularly during retro '90s revival trends, and are still sold today by various brands.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “jelly shoes” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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