# buckwheat

/ˈbəˌkwit/ (US) · /bˈʌkwiːt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buckwheat
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a plant that looks like a small buck or a male deer. It is often used as a joke to describe a man who is not very attractive or has a lot of money.

For teachers: a plant of the genus Fagopyrum, specifically the common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). In informal or slang contexts, it refers to a man, often used to describe someone who is unattractive or has significant wealth.

## Examples

- He is a real buckwheat with no money to spend.
- The comedian used the term buckwheat to describe a character who was both poor and socially awkward.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.