While chaps were originally worn by cowboys, they are currently worn in a variety of contexts, including professional chainsaw work and motorcycle riding (often seen with Harley Davidson riders). The word "chap" comes from the old English word "caph", which means leg or foot. Thus, a chap is the upper part of your leg or foot that covers the shoe. Chaps are usually made of leather and come in various sizes to fit different people. They often have metal rivets down the front to fasten them around the leg. There are also plastic versions on the market today if you do not want to wear metal anything! In modern usage, the term "chap" refers to an uneducated, easygoing person. This meaning originated with the cowboy culture where only experienced riders were allowed in rodeos. In order to not be disqualified because you did not know how to ride, you needed someone to take the reins while you got the hang of it. Thus, a "chap" was someone who wasn't smart enough to compete in rodeos but didn't have what it takes to be a horse trainer either. The term soon after spread to other cultures and meanings of chap have evolved over time.