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The Wellington boot, also known as a welly, a wellie, or a
gumboot, is a type of boot based upon a design worn and popularised by
Arthur Wellesley, 1st
Duke of Wellington. The boot is waterproof and is most often made from rubber or a
synthetic equivalent. It is usually worn when walking on very wet or muddy ground, or to protect the wearer from industrial
chemicals.
In Britain, there is a light-hearted sport, known as wellie wanging, which involves the throwing of Wellington boots as far as
possible.
The boot has also given its name to the welly boot dance, said
to have been performed by miners in Africa to keep their spirits up whilst working.
See also: Mackintosh, Rubber fetishism
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