kujon
The English word 'nerd' is translated into Polish as kujon.
A kujon refers to an individual who is highly intellectual or dedicated to their studies. It describes a person who is often seen as an intellectual or a skillful person, typically characterized by being introverted.
Meaning: intellectual, skillful person, generally introverted (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mózg (brain) is often used as a compliment for a genius, kujon often implies a lack of social skills or an obsessive focus on rote learning. Additionally, maniak is an informal term used specifically for someone who is obsessed with a particular subject or hobby.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term kujon is informal and can be used pejoratively to mock someone's academic obsession.
How does it change in a sentence?
kujon is the masculine form. The feminine form is kujonka, and the genitive plural form is kujonów.
Did you know?
- The verb hidden inside kujon is kuć, which means 'to forge' or 'to hammer' metal in a blacksmith's shop.
- The word kujon might actually trace its roots back to the French word couillon, which originally meant a fool or a simpleton.
- While English speakers use 'nerd' for various interests, a Polish kujon is almost exclusively tied to academic or school-related obsession.
Examples in context
- Tom to prawdziwy kujon, prawda?Tom is a real nerd, isn't he?This sentence uses kujon to confirm if someone is indeed a nerd.Tatoeba #12040426 by jimbojim, translation #6899199 by CK
- Mój brat jest prawdziwym kujonem – zawsze dostaje najlepsze oceny.My brother is a real nerd – he always gets the best grades.
- Jesteś prawdziwym frikiem! Znasz wszystkie gry komputerowe.You're a real nerd! You know all the computer games.
- On jest maniakiem seriali. Zobacz, ile sezonów obejrzał w ciągu tygodnia.He is a TV series nerd. Look at how many seasons he watched during the week.
- Mój brat to straszny kujon.My brother is a huge nerd.
- Nie bądź takim kujonem, wyjdźmy na dwór.Don't be such a nerd, let's go outside.
Example conversation
Anna and Piotr are studying in a library.
- AnnaPiotr, czy ty jesteś kujonem?Piotr, are you a nerd?
- PiotrNie, po prostu lubię się uczyć.No, I just like to study.
- AnnaZawsze czytasz same trudne książki.You always read nothing but difficult books.
- PiotrTo moja pasja, Anno.It is my passion, Anna.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kujon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
