ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cod

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈkɑd// UK //kˈɒd// cod
  1. 1 the fish (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a large sea fish with white meat that is very common to eat.

    a large marine fish of the genus Gadus, highly valued as a food source.

    Example

    We had fresh cod and chips for dinner at the seaside.

    Example

    The collapse of the Atlantic cod stocks led to severe fishing restrictions across the region to allow the population to recover.
    • whitefish
  2. 2 to joke or trick (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Slang

    to trick or tease someone in a playful way.

    to deceive, mock, or tease someone, often in a jocular or harmless manner.

    Example

    Don't get angry; I was only codding you about your new haircut.

    Example

    He spent the entire evening codding his younger brother into believing the old house was haunted by a Victorian ghost.

    Usage

    Often used in the progressive form 'codding'.
  3. 3 fake or parody (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Informal

    not real; made to look like a joke or a parody.

    mock, fake, or parodic in nature; often used attributively to describe an imitation.

    Example

    The actor spoke in a cod Italian accent that made everyone laugh.

    Example

    The documentary was criticized for its cod philosophy, which many felt trivialized the serious subject matter it intended to explore.
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Last updated June 20, 2026