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coconut

n.
US //ˈkoʊkəˌnət// UK //kˈəʊkənˌʌt// co·conut
  1. 1 the fruit (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a large, round fruit with a hard brown shell, white flesh, and liquid inside.

    the large, fibrous-husked fruit of the coconut palm, containing a hard-shelled seed with edible white endosperm and clear liquid.

    Example

    He used a heavy knife to crack open the coconut and drink the water inside.

    Example

    The chef demonstrated how to extract the milk from a fresh coconut by grating the white flesh and pressing it through a fine cloth.

  2. 2 the tree (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the tall tropical palm tree that produces coconuts.

    the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), a tall, branchless tropical tree with a crown of large pinnate leaves.

    Example

    The beach was lined with tall coconuts that provided some shade from the sun.

    Example

    The plantation consisted of thousands of coconuts, each carefully spaced to ensure maximum yield during the harvest season.
    • coconut palm
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  1. 3 the head (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal British English

    a person's head.

    the human head, often used in the context of being hit or struck.

    Example

    Watch out for that low beam or you will hit your coconut.

    Example

    The comedian made a joke about falling over and nearly cracking his coconut on the pavement.
  2. 4 offensive ethnic slur (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    an insulting word for a person of color who is accused of acting like a white person.

    a derogatory ethnic slur directed at a person of color perceived as having assimilated into white culture, implying they are 'brown on the outside, white on the inside'.

    Example

    The politician was hurt when protesters called him a coconut during the rally.

    Example

    The use of the term 'coconut' in the debate was widely condemned as a racist attack on the candidate's cultural identity.

    Usage

    This term is highly offensive and should be avoided.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is extremely derogatory; learners should be aware of its offensive nature to avoid using it accidentally.

Origin

From coco + nut. In reference to assimilated Hispanic or black people, derived from the fruit's exotic origins. The slur originates from the idea that one is "brown on the outside, white on the inside". In reference to Polynesians, from the ubiquity of coconut palms in the area.

Word family

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