Definition

1. Noun:
   • A slow or late-developing child; a child who is behind in growth or development compared to peers: The word "cọt" refers to a child who is physically smaller, matures later, or is developmentally delayed relative to other children of the same age. It often carries a connotation of being the youngest, smallest, or slowest in a group.
   • The runt (of a litter); the smallest or weakest one: In a broader sense, it can describe the smallest, weakest, or last-born individual in a litter of animals or among siblings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thằng bé là đứa con cọt trong nhà. (The boy is the runt/late-developing child in the family.)
  • Nó là con cọt nên được mọi người cưng chiều hơn. (Being the youngest/smallest, it is pampered more by everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• "Con cọt": This is the most common and standard form. It is a noun phrase where "con" is a classifier for children and young animals, and "cọt" specifies the characteristic.
  • Lợn mẹ đẻ được một ổ, con cọt nhất bị các con khác tranh ăn. (The mother pig gave birth to a litter; the runt was deprived of food by the others.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tardillon (French loanword): This is the direct French equivalent sometimes found in older Vietnamese texts, meaning a slow or backward child. "Cọt" is the Vietnamese adaptation of this concept.
• Chậm phát triển (phrase): Means "slow to develop." This is a more formal, descriptive phrase rather than a direct synonym.
• Út (noun): Means "the youngest (child)." While "út" simply denotes birth order, "cọt" emphasizes slowness or smallness in development. A child who is "út" is not necessarily a "cọt."

Synonyms

• Con đẻ non: Premature baby (focuses on being born early, not necessarily slow development).
• Chậm lớn: Slow-growing.
• Bé nhất: The smallest one (descriptive, without the connotation of delay).

Notes on Meaning and Connotation

• The term "cọt" is somewhat dated and can be perceived as slightly derogatory or pitying when used directly about a person. It highlights a perceived deficiency or lag.
• It is most neutrally and commonly used in the fixed phrase "con cọt".
• The reference from the Vietnamese-French dictionary ("tardillon") confirms its core meaning related to lateness or slowness.