potato

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Informal · Humorous · Slang

n. a humorous way to describe a very old or bad piece of technology, like a camera.

n. a metaphorical term for a device, particularly a camera or computer, with extremely poor performance or resolution.

“The video is so blurry it looks like it was filmed with a potato.”

“I tried to run the latest game on my old laptop, but the hardware is basically a potato and it crashed immediately.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Informal

n. a large, noticeable hole in the heel or toe of a sock.

n. a conspicuous hole in a sock or stocking, typically caused by wear at the heel or toe.

“He was embarrassed to take off his shoes because he had a potato in his sock.”

“Despite her elegant outfit, a large potato in her stocking ruined the overall effect when she sat down.”

C2 · Proficiency Slang

v. to hit someone or something very hard.

v. to strike with significant force; to pummel or hit repeatedly.

“The boxer managed to potato his opponent in the final round.”

“The protagonist in the action movie proceeded to potato the villain until the guards intervened.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal · American English

interj. a word used to copy the sound of a heavy motorcycle engine.

interj. an onomatopoeic representation of the rhythmic, low-frequency exhaust note produced by a V-twin engine.

“The Harley-Davidson went potato-potato-potato as it waited at the red light.”

“Enthusiasts often modify their exhaust systems to amplify the distinctive potato-potato cadence of the idling engine.”