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Kook: meaning, definitions and examples

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kook

 

[ kuːk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal use

A kook is a person who is eccentric or crazy in their behavior or ideas. The term is often used to describe someone who exhibits strange or unconventional habits or beliefs. While it can be used humorously, it's also sometimes used pejoratively to suggest that someone is out of touch with reality. Kooks may engage in absurd activities or hold quirky views that set them apart from mainstream society.

Synonyms

eccentric, freak, nut, oddball, weirdo

Examples of usage

  • He's a real kook when it comes to conspiracy theories.
  • That kook in the park always talks to himself.
  • I met a kook who collects odd items from thrift stores.
  • Don't mind her; she's just a kook with a passion for the unusual.

Translations

Translations of the word "kook" in other languages:

🇵🇹 kook

🇮🇳 कूक

🇩🇪 Kook

🇮🇩 kook

🇺🇦 кулінар

🇵🇱 kook

🇯🇵 クック

🇫🇷 kook

🇪🇸 kook

🇹🇷 kook

🇰🇷 쿡

🇸🇦 كوك

🇨🇿 kook

🇸🇰 kook

🇨🇳 怪人

🇸🇮 kook

🇮🇸 kook

🇰🇿 көк

🇬🇪 კუკი

🇦🇿 kook

🇲🇽 kook

Etymology

The term "kook" originated in the early 20th century, originally derived from the word 'cuckoo,' which refers to the bird known for its strange and erratic behavior. The use of 'cuckoo' to describe someone as crazy or outlandish became popular, and over time, the shortened form 'kook' emerged. By the 1960s, especially in California, the word was adopted within surfing vocabulary to refer to someone who was considered odd or different, particularly those who didn't conform to typical surfer norms. In popular culture, the term has maintained its association with eccentricity and quirks, often surfacing in discussions about unique individuals in various subcultures. Today, 'kook' can evoke humorous, affectionate, or disparaging tones, depending on the context in which it's used.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,220, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.