dekko
LowInformal, slang
Definition
Meaning
A quick look or glance.
A casual or brief inspection, often used informally to suggest taking a look at something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originates from Hindi 'dekho' (imperative of 'dekhna' meaning 'to look'). Commonly used in British English since the 19th century.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in British English; very rare or unknown in American English.
Connotations
Casual, informal, often friendly or colloquial.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech, but not in written or formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/take a dekko at somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a dekko”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used; too informal.
Academic
Not used; inappropriate for formal writing.
Everyday
Used in informal British conversations, e.g., among friends or in casual settings.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Dekko this!
- Dekko over here!
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can I have a dekko?
- Look at this! Have a dekko!
- He took a dekko out the window to check the weather.
- Let me have a dekko at your phone.
- After a quick dekko at the document, she signed it.
- We should take a dekko at the new cafe before deciding.
- In informal settings, a dekko at the competition can provide valuable insights.
- His habitual dekko at the morning paper was a ritual he never skipped.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'deck' of cards; to have a 'dekko' is to quickly look at the deck.
Conceptual Metaphor
Looking is capturing a brief image; dekko metaphorically represents a swift visual intake.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The word 'dekko' is informal slang and should not be translated literally; Russian speakers might expect a more formal term for 'look'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dekko' in formal contexts or in American English where it is not recognized.
- Incorrectly conjugating as a verb, e.g., 'dekkos' or 'dekkoed'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'dekko' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily British slang and is rarely used in American English.
Yes, informally in British English, it can be used as a verb meaning 'to look', though it's more common as a noun in phrases like 'have a dekko'.
It comes from Hindi 'dekho', the imperative form of 'dekhna', meaning 'to look'.
No, it is informal slang and should be avoided in formal contexts.