Definition

1. Noun:
   • Coconut shell: The hard, woody outer covering of a coconut fruit.
   • (Slang) Blockhead; numbskull: A derogatory term used to insult someone by comparing their head to an empty coconut shell, implying they are foolish or stupid.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):

  • Người ta thường dùng sọ dừa để làm đồ thủ công mỹ nghệ. (People often use coconut shells to make handicrafts.)
  • Anh ấy cắt đôi sọ dừa để làm bát. (He cut the coconut shell in half to make a bowl.)

• Noun (Slang):

  • Đừng có hỏi nó, nó là cái sọ dừa, biết gì đâu! (Don't ask him, he's a blockhead, what does he know!)
  • Giảng mãi không hiểu, đúng là sọ dừa! (I've explained it so many times and you still don't get it, what a numbskull!)

Advanced Usage

• The slang usage is inherently figurative and informal. It is used for direct insult or humorous, exaggerated criticism among familiar people.

Variants and Related Words

• Vỏ dừa (n): Coconut husk (the fibrous outer layer, distinct from the hard inner shell).
  • Vỏ dừa dùng để bện dây thừng. (Coconut husk is used to make rope.)

Synonyms

• Coconut shell: The literal meaning.
• Blockhead: A stupid person.
• Numbskull: A foolish or slow-witted person.
• Dunce: A person who is slow at learning.

Related Idioms

• Đầu óc như sọ dừa: To have a head/brain like a coconut shell (i.e., empty, stupid).
  • Nó có cái đầu óc như sọ dừa, chẳng nghĩ được điều gì ra hồn. (He has a head like a coconut shell, can't think of anything sensible.)

noun

1. coconut shell