Trut 🔊

Usage examples

• Zwijg toch, stomme trut.
  Oh, shut up, you stupid cow.
• Ze is echt een trut, altijd zo zeuren.
  She's such a twit, always whining like that.

Etymology

Origin uncertain. "Trut" has been in Dutch and Flemish colloquial use since at least the mid-twentieth century. It may derive from an older dialectal term for a slow or dull-witted animal, though this etymology is unconfirmed. The word has consistently occupied a milder register than its English translation "bitch" might suggest.

Cultural notes

In Flemish (and broader Dutch) usage, "trut" occupies a notably milder register than the English word "bitch" might imply — it is closer in force to "cow," "twit," or "silly woman." It is used in exasperated or mildly contemptuous contexts and, while still gendered and dismissive, it does not carry the same shock value as stronger vulgar terms. It is common in Flemish television, comedy, and everyday heated speech without causing serious offense.

Same meaning, other languages

Accuracy

75% of 16 voters say this translation is accurate.