Khokhol (selo)

Khokhol (Хохол) is a selo, a type of rural locality, in Russia and Ukraine. Specifically, it is often used to refer to:

• Khokhol, Voronezh Oblast, Russia: A large village (selo) and the administrative center of Khokholsky District in Voronezh Oblast, Russia. It is located on the left bank of the Devitsa River. Its name is likely derived from the Ukrainian word "khokhol," referring to a Cossack hairstyle, which in turn became an ethnonym for Ukrainians. This suggests a historical Ukrainian presence or connection to the area. The village has a significant history and serves as a central hub for the surrounding rural communities.
• General usage in Russia: In Russian vernacular, "khokhol" can be a derogatory term for a Ukrainian person. However, when used in the placename "Khokhol" for a village or settlement, the term typically refers to the historical context of Ukrainian settlement or influence in the area, without necessarily carrying the same negative connotations.

A selo is a rural locality in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, typically larger than a derevnya (village) and often featuring a church. The presence of a church historically distinguished a selo from a derevnya. Selos serve as important centers for agricultural production and social life in rural areas.

The term "Khokhol" as a place name is particularly interesting due to its ethno-linguistic origins and its prevalence in regions with historical interaction between Russian and Ukrainian populations.