Greek · Insults & Idiots
κωλόπαιδο
kolópaido
koh-LOH-peh-thoh · /koˈlo.pe.ðo/
Little bastard / brat / rascal.
genuinely rude; friends only, never at work
Literally
"ass-child"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
κώλος (ass) is a prefix factory in Greek — stick it on almost anything for instant contempt: κωλόπαιδο (brat), κωλόγερος (grumpy old man), κωλομπαράς and worse. κωλόπαιδο is a "little bastard," aimed at a badly-behaved kid or, half-fondly, at a cheeky younger friend. Tone decides whether it's genuine anger or exasperated affection. Watch-your-audience 3. The standalone κώλος means "ass" and appears in countless idioms — "μου έφυγε ο κώλος" (my ass fell off) = I was terrified or worked to the bone.
Heard in the wild
Πού πήγε πάλι αυτό το κωλόπαιδο;
Where did that little brat run off to now?
Where it lands
Greece & Cyprus (universal)
Quick answers
- What does "κωλόπαιδο" mean?
- In Greek, "κωλόπαιδο" means "Little bastard / brat / rascal.". Literally it's "ass-child". κώλος (ass) is a prefix factory in Greek — stick it on almost anything for instant contempt: κωλόπαιδο (brat), κωλόγερος (grumpy old man), κωλομπαράς and worse. κωλόπαιδο is a "little bastard," aimed at a badly-behaved kid or, half-fondly, at a cheeky younger friend. Tone decides whether it's genuine anger or exasperated affection. Watch-your-audience 3. The standalone κώλος means "ass" and appears in countless idioms — "μου έφυγε ο κώλος" (my ass fell off) = I was terrified or worked to the bone.
- Is "κωλόπαιδο" offensive?
- It's genuinely rude — a 3/5 (Watch your audience) on the Punch-o-Meter. Fine among friends, never at work or with people you've just met.
- How do you pronounce "κωλόπαιδο"?
- Say it "koh-LOH-peh-thoh" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: koˈlo.pe.ðo.
Related in Greek
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