ヒール
Meanings
1
Refers to the raised part at the back of a shoe or boot. Common in fashion and footwear contexts.
The heels on my new pumps are too high and hard to walk in.
The heels on these boots are worn down, so I'll take them in for repair.
2
Professional wrestling term for a wrestler who plays a villainous or antagonistic role, opposite of a 'babyface' (hero).
See also: ベビーフェイス
He's good at playing the heel in pro wrestling.
That heel wrestler got heavily booed by the crowd.
Usage patterns
- ヒールが高いthe heel is high
These pumps have such high heels that they're hard to walk in.
- 〈人〉がヒールを演じるfor someone to play the villain (in wrestling)
He has played the heel for years, exciting the fans.
- ヒールを履くto wear heels
She always wears heels to work.
- ヒールに転向するto turn heel (switch to a villainous role)
The popular wrestler suddenly turned heel, causing a stir.