dekal

Dekal is a term with limited and varied use in English-language sources. There is no single, widely accepted definition. In general writing, dekal can function as a misspelling or variant of decal, the word for a decorative sticker or transfer applied to surfaces. The same string may appear in non-English texts as a transliteration or orthographic variant, leading to ambiguity without context.

As a proper noun, dekal occurs occasionally as a surname or given name. It is uncommon and typically confined to specific linguistic or cultural communities; when encountered, it may be unrelated to the decal sense.

Etymology and usage notes: When used as a variant of decal, dekal inherits the sense of the decal/decals' origin in the decalque/décalcomanie transfer tradition from French. If used as a name, the etymology is separate and depends on its cultural origin.

In contemporary writing, clarification is usually provided by context: if dekal appears in a product catalog or sticker context, it likely refers to a decal variant; if it appears in a list of people, it is likely a name.

Related terms include decal and decalcomanie, terms with clear and established meanings in design and print contexts.