The word "kohout" is spelled with the following IPA phonetic transcription: /koːɦout/. The symbol /k/ represents the sound made by the letter "k", while the symbol /oː/ represents a long "o" sound. The letter "h" is pronounced as /ɦ/, which is a voiced fricative sound similar to the "h" in "hello". The final sound, /out/, represents the sound made by the letters "ou" together, which is a diphthong that starts with an "o" sound and moves to a "u" sound.
Kohout is a Czech word, primarily used as a noun, which translates to "rooster" in English. A rooster is a male domestic chicken, typically larger and more colorful than the female counterpart, known as a hen. It is recognized for its iconic appearance characterized by a vibrant plumage, a fleshy crest on its head, strong beak, and sharp spurs on its legs. Roosters are commonly associated with making loud crowing sounds to mark their territorial presence and the break of dawn, though they can crow at any time of the day.
Kohout has also gained additional metaphorical meanings in the Czech language. It can refer to a man who displays dominant or assertive behavior, often symbolizing masculinity or cockiness. Furthermore, the term can be used to describe a decorative handcrafted object reminiscent of a rooster, sometimes observed as a weather vane atop roofs, particularly in rural regions. In some contexts, kohout is also employed as a slang term denoting a lack of courage or assertiveness.
Overall, kohout encompasses not only the literal meaning of a rooster but also an extended range of metaphorical connotations emphasizing dominance, masculinity, and even a lack thereof, making it a versatile word within the Czech vocabulary.
The word "kohout" originates from the Czech language. Its etymology can be traced to the Proto-Slavic word *kogotъ, which means "comb". Kohout specifically refers to a male domestic chicken or a rooster. In the Czech Republic and other Slavic countries, kohout is commonly associated with its distinct call, and it is often used as a symbol of pride and masculinity.