noun
knut
kuh-NUHT
Knut (noun) means an idle, fashionable young man from a wealthy background, more interested in appearances than work. Example: “The novel pokes fun at a knut who spent his father's fortune on tailored suits.”
noun
1
An idle, fashionable young man from a wealthy background, more interested in appearances than work.
"The novel pokes fun at a knut who spent his father's fortune on tailored suits."
"He dressed like a knut but hadn't done an honest day's work in his life."
How to use knut
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly mocking word for a well-dressed, idle rich young man.
When to use it
Dated British slang — rarely used today outside historical fiction.
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Word forms
- Plural
- knuts
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel pokes fun at a _____ who spent his father's fortune on tailored suits.
Etymology
A slang alteration of "nut" (an eccentric or foppish person), popular in early 20th-century Britain.
Class of 1900
knut joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for knut
See all rhymes for knut →Frequently asked questions
What does “knut” mean?
The word “knut” means an idle, fashionable young man from a wealthy background, more interested in appearances than work. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, slightly mocking word for a well-dressed, idle rich young man.
How do you pronounce “knut”?
“Knut” is pronounced kuh-NUHT (/kəˈnʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “knut” in a sentence?
Here is “knut” used in a sentence: “The novel pokes fun at a knut who spent his father's fortune on tailored suits.”
What part of speech is “knut”?
“Knut” is a noun.
Where does the word “knut” come from?
The word “knut” dates back to around 1900. A slang alteration of "nut" (an eccentric or foppish person), popular in early 20th-century Britain.
