kak
C2 / Very Low FrequencyVulgar / Taboo / Slang
Definition
Meaning
Excrement, faeces; something worthless or disgusting.
Nonsense, rubbish; used as a general term of contempt. A slang term, often considered vulgar.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an intensifier of contempt. Strongly negative connotation. Highly context-dependent, often used in informal, coarse language for shock value or emphasis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rare in both varieties but more likely encountered in British or Commonwealth English (e.g., South African). In American English, other vulgar synonyms are more common.
Connotations
Both consider it vulgar and offensive, though its impact may be slightly less intense than the most common four-letter vulgarities.
Frequency
Very low frequency in formal corpora, as it is predominantly oral, informal slang.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[load/piece/bit] of kaktalk kak (about something)to be kakVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “talk a load of kak”
- “be full of kak”
- “the kak hits the fan (variant of 'the shit hits the fan')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used; would be considered highly unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only in very informal, coarse settings among close acquaintances who use such language.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Don't just kak on about it, do something!
American English
- He's always kakking about politics.
adverb
British English
- The project went kak from the start.
American English
- He played kak in the final match.
adjective
British English
- This is a totally kak situation we're in.
American English
- I had a kak day at work.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not recommended for A2 level)
- He said the movie was just kak and left early.
- I'm not listening to any more of his kak about get-rich-quick schemes.
- The politician's latest speech was a masterclass in evasive, self-serving kak.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cack' or 'cackle' – the sound a hen makes, which is associated with its droppings. 'Kak' sounds like 'cack' and means the same messy, worthless thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS IDEAS/THINGS ARE EXCREMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'как' (kak) meaning 'how' or 'like'. The English word is a noun/adj with a completely different, vulgar meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Overestimating its acceptability; it is a strong vulgarism.
- Misspelling as 'cack' (a related but less common variant).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'kak' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, vulgar slang term mostly used in specific dialects (like South African English) or by individuals preferring this variant over more common vulgar synonyms.
It is considered vulgar and offensive, similar to other scatological taboo words. Its offensiveness is context and audience dependent.
Yes, though less common. As a verb, it can mean 'to defecate' or, more figuratively, 'to talk nonsense' (e.g., 'He's always kakking on').
They are close synonyms in terms of meaning and register. 'Crap' is far more common and widespread in American and British English. 'Kak' has stronger associations with South African and UK English.