dikkop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowRegional (South African), Technical (Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “dikkop” mean?
A type of bird, specifically a thick-knee (stone-curlew), native to Africa, characterized by large eyes and long legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of bird, specifically a thick-knee (stone-curlew), native to Africa, characterized by large eyes and long legs.
In South African English, also used as a nickname for someone with a large or thick head, or metaphorically for a stubborn or foolish person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is virtually unknown in general American English. In British English, it is known only in ornithological contexts or by those familiar with Southern African fauna.
Connotations
In its primary sense, neutral/technical. In South African colloquial use, can be mildly insulting when referring to a person.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of Southern Africa and specialist circles.
Grammar
How to Use “dikkop” in a Sentence
The [adjective] dikkop [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, ornithology, and African studies texts.
Everyday
Rare. Used in Southern Africa, mainly in rural or wildlife contexts.
Technical
Standard term for birds of the genus Burhinus in Southern Africa.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dikkop”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dikkop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dikkop”
- Misspelling as 'dickop' or 'dikop'.
- Assuming it is a common word in all English varieties.
- Using the colloquial 'person' sense outside South Africa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word specific to Southern African contexts and ornithology.
No, it is exclusively a noun.
It comes from Afrikaans, from 'dik' (thick) + 'kop' (head), referring to the bird's appearance.
In South African slang, it can be mildly derogatory, implying stubbornness or foolishness, so it should be used with caution.
A type of bird, specifically a thick-knee (stone-curlew), native to Africa, characterized by large eyes and long legs.
Dikkop is usually regional (south african), technical (ornithology) in register.
Dikkop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪkɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Thick head' (literal translation from Afrikaans 'dik' = thick, 'kop' = head) for a bird with a robust appearance.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAD/STUBBORNNESS IS THICKNESS (in the colloquial sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'dikkop' used as a slang term for a foolish person?