codo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal (for the 'stingy person' meaning); Neutral (for anatomical/object meaning).
Quick answer
What does “codo” mean?
The joint of the human arm between the upper and lower arm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The joint of the human arm between the upper and lower arm.
Anything shaped like or functioning like an elbow, such as a pipe fitting, a sharp bend in a road or river, or a person who is stingy or cheap (colloquial, AmE).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang term for a stingy person is almost exclusively American. British English might use 'elbow' for the joint but is unlikely to use 'codo' in this sense; it is a direct borrowing from Spanish.
Connotations
In AmE slang, 'codo' carries a negative, judgmental connotation of excessive frugality. In its literal Spanish sense, it is neutral.
Frequency
In English-language contexts, 'codo' is a low-frequency word except in regions with significant Spanish influence or when discussing Spanish language/culture.
Grammar
How to Use “codo” in a Sentence
He gave her the codo. (slang, AmE)The pipe has a 90-degree codo.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “codo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- He tried to codo his way into the conversation. (rare, based on 'elbow' as a verb)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- That was a codo move, not leaving a tip. (slang)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in informal AmE contexts to describe a frugal client: 'Negotiating with that codo was impossible.'
Academic
Rare in English academia; appears in Spanish language or cultural studies.
Everyday
Used in the US, especially in the Southwest, to mean a stingy person. Also used by English speakers referring to the Spanish word.
Technical
In plumbing or engineering, a 'codo' might be used in bilingual contexts to refer to an elbow fitting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “codo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “codo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “codo”
- Using 'codo' in formal English writing.
- Assuming all English speakers understand the slang meaning.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'c' /k/ instead of the Spanish soft 'c' /k/ (which is the same in this case, but the vowel sounds differ).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a loanword from Spanish. Its usage in English is limited to specific regional (chiefly American) slang or direct references to the Spanish language.
'Elbow' is the standard English term. 'Codo' is the Spanish term, used in English either when speaking Spanish or as slang (primarily in the US) meaning a stingy person.
It is not recommended. For the anatomical joint, use 'elbow'. The slang meaning is too informal and region-specific for formal testing contexts.
It is typically anglicized to /ˈkoʊdoʊ/ (KOH-doh) in American English or /ˈkəʊdəʊ/ (KOH-doh) in British English, approximating the Spanish pronunciation.
The joint of the human arm between the upper and lower arm.
Codo is usually informal (for the 'stingy person' meaning); neutral (for anatomical/object meaning). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be such a codo! (AmE slang)”
- “He's got a codo for a heart. (extended metaphor)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COst DOwner – a 'CODO' pinches every penny.
Conceptual Metaphor
STINGINESS IS PHYSICAL CONSTRICTION/TIGHTNESS (e.g., 'tight-fisted', 'codo').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'codo' MOST likely to be used and understood in general English?