Definition

Noun: 1. A long, heavy knife with a single edge, of Philippine origin: A bolo is a type of machete or cutting tool characterized by its substantial size, weight, and a blade that widens towards the tip. It is traditionally used in the Philippines for agricultural purposes and as a tool. 2. A cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie: A bolo tie is a type of neckwear consisting of a braided leather cord or string fastened by an ornamental slide or clasp.

Examples

• Noun (Knife):

  • The farmer used a bolo to clear the thick undergrowth.
  • Traditional Filipino martial arts include techniques for wielding the bolo.

• Noun (Necktie):

  • He wore a silver-tipped bolo with his western-style shirt.
  • The bolo tie is often associated with Southwestern American fashion.

Advanced Usage

• The term "bolo" for the knife is often used in historical or cultural contexts related to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
• The "bolo tie" is recognized as the official neckwear of several U.S. states, such as Arizona and Texas.

Variants and Related Words

• Bolo tie (n): The full, specific term for the neckwear.
• Bolo knife (n): A more descriptive term for the cutting tool.

Synonyms

• For the knife: Machete, cutlass, cleaver (though a cleaver is typically shorter and used for chopping food).
• For the necktie: String tie, bootlace tie.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To go bolo: This is a very specific and rare military slang term meaning to perform poorly on a marksmanship test, deriving from the acronym "BOLO" for "Be On the LookOut," but it is not directly related to the primary definitions of the word "bolo" itself.

Noun

1. long heavy knife with a single edge; of Philippine origin
2. a cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie