Russian · Never Say This
Хохол
khokhol
khah-KHOL · /xɐˈxol/
Slur for Ukrainians
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"(ethnic slur; originally the Cossack forelock hairstyle)"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
An ethnic slur for Ukrainians (they have a reciprocal one, "katsap," for Russians). Historically it was almost folksy; since 2014 and especially 2022 it is politically radioactive and unambiguously hostile. You may hear it; a traveler must never use it, and should grasp that it signals a charged, dangerous conversation. Comprehension only.
Heard in the wild
(heard as a slur — do not repeat)
(heard as a slur — do not repeat)
Where it lands
Russia; ethnic slur — comprehension only, never say
Quick answers
- What does "Хохол" mean?
- In Russian, "Хохол" means "Slur for Ukrainians". Literally it's "(ethnic slur; originally the Cossack forelock hairstyle)". An ethnic slur for Ukrainians (they have a reciprocal one, "katsap," for Russians). Historically it was almost folksy; since 2014 and especially 2022 it is politically radioactive and unambiguously hostile. You may hear it; a traveler must never use it, and should grasp that it signals a charged, dangerous conversation. Comprehension only.
- Is "Хохол" offensive?
- Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
- How do you pronounce "Хохол"?
- Say it "khah-KHOL" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: xɐˈxol.
Related in Russian
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