gil
/ˈɡil/colloquial
In Polish, the English phrase "booger" is translated as gil. Wiktionary also lists glut and koza.
Meaning: a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gil | /ˈɡil/ | colloquial |
| glut | /ˈɡlut/ | colloquial |
| koza | /ˈkɔ.za/ | colloquial, feminine |
| smark | /ˈsmark/ | masculine |
| babol | /ˈba.bɔl/ | colloquial, masculine |
The terms used to describe a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus in Polish are generally colloquial.
Which one should you use?
While gil is a common term for a booger, smark is a very common colloquial alternative used to describe the same thing. Additionally, glut is a colloquial term that can also refer to a thick, sticky substance or slime in general.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word koza is feminine, while smark and babol are masculine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word glut is considered dialectal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word glut changes to gluta when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in the form gluta.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡil/
Did you know?
- The word koza is also the standard Polish word for 'goat'.
- The word glut is a linguistic doublet of the English word 'gluten'.
- The word babol is a masculine noun, but its slang meaning can sometimes refer to a 'mistake' or a 'blunder'.
Examples in context
- Masz gluta na włosach.You've got a booger on your hair.This sentence shows how to use the form glut when it is the direct object of a sentence.Tatoeba #10782339 by hecko, translation #2816104 by mervert1
- Znalazłem małego gilka w nosie.I found a small booger in my nose.
- To był pewnie jakiś gil.It was probably some booger.
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Tomasz are sitting on a park bench.
- AgnieszkaTomaszu, masz coś w nosie.Tomasz, you have something in your nose.
- TomaszTo jakiś gil?Is it a booger?
- AgnieszkaTak, wygląda na gilka.Yes, it looks like a booger.
- TomaszDzięki, zaraz to wyjmę.Thanks, I will take it out right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “booger” translations and entries gil, glut, koza, smark, babol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gil, glut, koza, smark, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
