Shallet - Definition and Origin

Definition and Origin

The term chalet stems from Arpitan speaking part of Switzerland and French Savoy and originally referred to the hut of a herder. It derives from the medieval Latin calittum, which harks back to the Sanskrit (Indo-European) root cala that means shelter. The modern day name "Chawl" for tenements in Mumbai (Bombay, India) likely shares etymology.

Many chalets in the European Alps were originally used as seasonal farms for dairy cattle which would be brought up from the lowland pastures during the summer months. The herders would live in the chalet and make butter and cheese in order to preserve the milk produced. These products would then be taken, with the cattle, back to the low valleys before the onset of the alpine winter. The chalets would remain locked and unused during the winter months. Around many chalets there are small windowless huts called mazots which were used to lock away valuable items for this period.