clou: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, or journalistic. Often used in sophisticated or critical writing.
Quick answer
What does “clou” mean?
The central idea or most interesting point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central idea or most interesting point; the highlight or main feature.
The essential feature or point of greatest interest, especially of a discussion, performance, or event. Originally from French, meaning 'nail'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more established in British literary/journalistic usage. In American English, it is rare and considered highly literary or pretentious.
Connotations
In both varieties, conveys sophistication. In American English, may carry a stronger connotation of pretentiousness or affectation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in British book reviews, arts criticism, or highbrow journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “clou” in a Sentence
[The] + clou + of + [noun phrase]To be/ constitute/ form the clouVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in a metaphor for a key selling point or central strategy: 'The clou of their pitch was the exclusivity agreement.'
Academic
Used in humanities, especially literary or art criticism, to denote a central thesis or most revealing detail.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
No common technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clou”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clou”
- Pronouncing it as /klaʊ/ (like 'cloud' without the 'd').
- Using it in plural form 'clous' (the English plural is typically 'clous' or left as 'clou').
- Overusing it to sound clever, making prose seem affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and belongs to a formal, literary, or journalistic register. Most native speakers may not know it.
It is pronounced /kluː/, rhyming with 'blue', 'glue', or 'clue'.
It is a direct borrowing from French, where it literally means 'nail'. The figurative sense of 'highlight' or 'central point' developed in French and was adopted into English.
It would sound highly unusual and pretentious in everyday conversation. Synonyms like 'highlight', 'main point', or 'centerpiece' are far more natural choices.
The central idea or most interesting point.
Clou is usually formal, literary, or journalistic. often used in sophisticated or critical writing. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLOU(d) with one brilliant, central SUNBEAM piercing through - that's the CLOU, the brilliant central point.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CENTRAL POINT IS A NAIL (from its French etymology, 'nail', something that fixes or holds the structure together).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'clou' MOST appropriately used?