cloot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowDialectal / Regional / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “cloot” mean?
A hoof of an animal, especially a cloven hoof.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hoof of an animal, especially a cloven hoof.
In Scottish and Northern English dialects, can refer to a patch of cloth, a rag, or a piece of clothing. Also used in the phrase "clootie dumpling" (a traditional Scottish pudding boiled in a cloth).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is essentially unknown in general American English. In British English, it is only recognized in specific regional dialects, chiefly Scots.
Connotations
In its regional context, it is a neutral, descriptive term. To other English speakers, it may sound archaic, rustic, or obscure.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in contemporary standard English corpora. Its occurrence is confined to historical texts, dialect literature, and cultural references like 'clootie dumpling'.
Grammar
How to Use “cloot” in a Sentence
[animal]'s cloota [adjective] clootVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cloot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He clooted the ball right out of the park. (Scots, informal for 'hit')
adjective
British English
- She made a clootie pudding for the Burns Supper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or studies of Scots dialect.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside Scotland/Northern England. May be heard in phrases like 'clootie dumpling'.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloot”
- Using it in standard English contexts.
- Assuming it is a common synonym for 'hoof'.
- Misspelling as 'clout' (which means influence or a heavy blow).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a dialectal word from Scots and Northern English. It is not part of modern standard English vocabulary.
It is a traditional Scottish pudding containing dried fruit and spices, which is boiled in a cloth (a 'cloot').
Its primary meaning is the hoof of an animal, particularly a cloven hoof like that of a cow or sheep.
Yes, in dialect use it can also refer to a piece of cloth or a rag, which is the sense used in 'clootie dumpling'.
A hoof of an animal, especially a cloven hoof.
Cloot is usually dialectal / regional / archaic in register.
Cloot: in British English it is pronounced /kluːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kluːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Clootie (a nickname for the devil, referring to his cloven hoof)”
- “Clootie's calf (a mischievous child)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cow lifting its CLOven hOOT (foot) – CLOOT.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A TOOL (the hoof as a functional part); WORN MATERIAL IS A BODY PART (rag as a 'cloot').
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is the word 'cloot' primarily used?