culo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (High Frequency)Very broad, from formal (temperature) to informal (approval, fashion)
Quick answer
What does “culo” mean?
Of a moderately low temperature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of a moderately low temperature; pleasant, refreshing cold.
Showing calmness and composure; not showing strong emotion. Fashionably attractive or impressive; excellent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. The informal adjectival use for approval ('that's cool') is equally common. Slight differences in collocation frequency (e.g., 'cool box' UK vs. 'cooler' US).
Connotations
Identical positive connotations for composure and fashion. In both, 'cool' as a temperature can have negative connotations if extreme ('a cool reception').
Frequency
The informal/slang use is extremely high-frequency in both varieties, especially among younger speakers. The temperature sense is standard and common.
Grammar
How to Use “culo” in a Sentence
cool (sth) down/offIt is cool to + INFcool towards sbcool about sthcool under pressureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “culo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Let the tea cool a bit before you drink it.
- Their relationship cooled after the argument.
American English
- Cool the pie on the counter for an hour.
- The market for collectibles has cooled off recently.
adverb
British English
- He acted cool, as if nothing had happened.
- (informal) 'See you later.' 'Yeah, cool.'
American English
- Just play it cool and don't mention the surprise.
- (informal) She looked at him cool, assessing his reaction.
adjective
British English
- It's a bit cool outside, best take a jumper.
- He's very cool under pressure.
- That new phone is really cool.
American English
- We sat in the cool shade of the porch.
- She stayed cool while everyone else panicked.
- You got tickets? Cool!
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a rational, unemotional approach ('cool analysis'), or a lukewarm market response ('a cool reception to the new product').
Academic
Primarily used in its literal, scientific sense ('a cool climate'). Figurative use ('cool detachment') is found in humanities.
Everyday
The most frequent context. Used for temperature, composure, and as a general term of approval ('Cool car!', 'That's cool with me.').
Technical
In physics/engineering: 'coolant', 'cooling system'. In computing/informal tech: 'cool features'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “culo”
- Using 'cool' in very formal writing where 'composed', 'temperate', or 'excellent' would be better. *'The CEO remained cool during the crisis*' is informal; *'...remained composed...'* is formal.
- Overusing the slang approval sense, making speech sound immature. Mixing literal and figurative: *'He gave me a cool glass of water because I was cool about the problem.'* (clumsy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not grammatically wrong, but it is informal slang. It's perfectly acceptable in casual conversation but should be avoided in formal writing or contexts.
They are often interchangeable for lowering temperature. 'Cool down' is more common for objects and post-exercise. 'Cool off' can specifically mean becoming less angry ('He needed to cool off after the argument').
Yes. When describing interpersonal attitudes, it can mean unfriendly or lacking enthusiasm ('a cool welcome', 'cool relations between the countries').
This meaning evolved from mid-20th century African-American and jazz slang, where it denoted a sophisticated, relaxed, and emotionally controlled style, which then became associated with general social approval and trendiness.
Of a moderately low temperature.
Culo is usually very broad, from formal (temperature) to informal (approval, fashion) in register.
Culo: in British English it is pronounced /kuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kul/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blow your cool”
- “lose your cool”
- “cool your heels”
- “cool, calm, and collected”
- “as cool as a cucumber”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **cool** cucumber lying calmly in a fridge – it's both cold and unbothered.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALMNESS IS COOLNESS / FASHIONABLE IS COOL (Temperature -> Emotion/Evaluation).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'cool' used in its most formal, literal sense?