coco
“coco” means “coconut” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
coconut
Also: head, knock
📝 In Action
Quiero beber agua de coco, está muy refrescante.
A1I want to drink coconut water, it is very refreshing.
¡Ten cuidado! Te vas a dar un golpe en el coco.
B1Be careful! You're going to hit your head.
Mi abuelo tiene un coco increíble para las matemáticas.
B2My grandfather has an incredible brain/knack for math.
bogeyman
Also: boogeyman
📝 In Action
Si no te duermes, vendrá el coco a buscarte.
A2If you don't go to sleep, the bogeyman will come looking for you.
De niño, le tenía mucho miedo al coco.
B1As a child, I was very afraid of the bogeyman.
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Quick Quiz: coco
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'coco' to mean 'head' or 'brain'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'coco' likely originated from Portuguese and Spanish words related to the human head or skull. When explorers first saw the coconut fruit, the three small indentations on the shell reminded them of a face or 'coca' (skull/head). The 'bogeyman' meaning might stem from this same root, referring to a disembodied head or frightening face.
First recorded: 16th century (in reference to the fruit)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'coco' a rude or vulgar word for 'head'?
No, 'coco' is not rude, but it is very informal. Think of it like saying 'noggin' or 'brain' instead of 'head.' It’s perfectly acceptable in casual conversations among friends or family.
How do I know if 'coco' means coconut or bogeyman?
Context is everything! If you are talking about food, drink, or trees, it means 'coconut.' If you are talking about fear, children, or going to sleep, it means 'bogeyman.'