coconut

[ koh-kuh-nuht, -nuht ]

noun

1. the large, hard-shelled seed of the coconut palm, lined with a white edible meat, and containing a milky liquid.
2. the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cooking, as a flavoring, and as a dessert topping.
3. coconut palm.
4. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a person of color, especially a person of Latin American or South Asian origin or descent, who is regarded as having adopted the attitudes, values, and behavior thought to be characteristic of middle-class white society, at the expense of their ethnic heritage. Compare Oreo.

coconut

/ ˈkəʊkəˌnʌt /

noun

1. the fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a thick fibrous oval husk inside which is a thin hard shell enclosing edible white meat. The hollow centre is filled with a milky fluid ( coconut milk )
2. 1. the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cakes, curries, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      coconut cake

3. slang.
   a black or Asian person who conforms to white culture at the expense of his or her ancestral culture, the idea being that, like a coconut, he or she is dark on the outside and white on the inside

Word History and Origins

Origin of coconut¹

First recorded in 1605–15; coco + nut

Word History and Origins

Origin of coconut¹

C18: see coco

Example Sentences

"Do you think you just dropped out of a coconut tree?"

From Salon

These eight dessert ideas capture the flavors and traditions of Thanksgiving while introducing delightful twists — like a chocolate-tahini pumpkin pie or coconut pie that’s as effortless as it is delicious.

From Salon

Bert Lahr, the cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz,” starred in the 1956 American premiere of “Waiting for Godot” directed by Alan Schneider at Coconut Grove Playhouse, of all places.

From Los Angeles Times

A “master plan” had been drawn up to improve health and education, transport connections and recreational facilities for the island’s residents, and to develop the fishing sector and the exploitation of coconut by-products, he said.

From BBC

There’s also the Cran-Merry Orange Lemonade Refresher — which combines the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher with ice, lemonade and cranberries — along with the Cran-Merry Drink — which combines the Cran-Merry Refresher with ice, coconut milk and cranberries.

From Salon

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