A general term for pepper, commonly referring to black pepper or bell peppers.

Origin: The word 'فلفل' (fulful) originates from the Arabic language, which borrowed it from the Sanskrit word 'pippalī', referring to long pepper. It underwent phonetic changes in Arabic to become 'fulful'. Historical and Cultural Context: The word first appeared in Arabic texts around the 9th century as part of spice trade documentation. Pepper was a highly valued commodity, often referred to as 'black gold'. Evolution: Over time, 'fulful' was used to describe various types of peppers, including bell peppers. Its cognates can be found in other languages, such as the Hebrew 'פלפל' (pilpel). Modern Relevance: Today, 'fulful' is used in Arabic-speaking regions to refer to both black pepper and bell peppers. It has not significantly changed in meaning but has become a staple term in culinary contexts.

In medieval times, pepper was so valuable that it was often used as a form of currency, with taxes and rents sometimes being paid in pepper.