κώλος
kólos
The Greek word for bum is κώλος (kólos).
κώλος is used to refer to the buttocks. While it translates to the English word 'bum', it is a more vulgar and blunt term, functioning more like 'ass' or 'arse'.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
κώλος is an informal and vulgar term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of κώλος is κώλοι.
How do you pronounce it?
kólos
Did you know?
- The word κώλος shares the same Ancient Greek root as the English word 'colon'.
- Unlike English, where 'bum' can refer to a homeless person, κώλος in Greek never refers to a person's socio-economic status.
- In Ancient Greek, the word κῶλον did not just mean 'buttocks' but could also refer to a 'limb' or a 'body part' that had been lost.
Example conversation
Two friends are complaining about a hard wooden bench.
- Κώστας KostasΑυτή η καρέκλα είναι πολύ σκληρή.Aftí i karékla eínai polý sklirí.This chair is too hard.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, πονάει ο κώλος μου!Ne, ponáei o kólos mou!Yes, my bum hurts!
- Κώστας KostasΑς βάλουμε ένα μαξιλάρι από πάνω.As váloume éna maxilári apó páno.Let's put a cushion on top.
- Μαρία MariaΚαλό πλάνο, Κώστα.Kaló pláno, Kósta.Good plan, Kostas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries κώλος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
