Căpățână

Căpățână

Etymology: The word căpățână is of Romanian origin. Its etymology is likely derived from the word cap (head), with the suffix -ățână indicating a larger or more substantial version of the head, or something resembling a head.

Pronunciation: /kə.pət͡səˈnə/

Meaning:

1. (Literal) Head (chiefly in agriculture or referring to animal heads prepared as food). Specifically, it can refer to the head of a cabbage, lettuce, or similar leafy vegetable, or the head of an animal, particularly a pig, after it has been butchered.

2. (Figurative, derogatory) Blockhead, dullard, numskull. A term used to describe a person considered stupid or unintelligent.

3. (Figurative, informal) Used to describe something large and round, resembling a head. For instance, a large stone or a bulky object.

Grammatical Information:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Gender: Feminine
• Plural: Căpățâni

Synonyms:

• (Head of cabbage/lettuce): Varză, salată (when referring specifically to the head of these vegetables)
• (Blockhead): Prost, idiot, bou, nătărău, tont
• (Large, round object): (Context-dependent) bolovan, masă

Usage Notes: The term căpățână can be considered offensive when used to describe a person's intelligence. The literal meaning relating to vegetables or animal heads is neutral. The informal use to describe a large, round object is less common and highly dependent on context.