cor
gb/kˈɔɹ/ us/kˈɔɹ/
B2
English
~ 9100
hűha, azta
B2
INFORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
cor, [clause]
“Cor, would you look at that sunset!”
Hűha, nézd azt a naplementét!
“Cor, this pizza is incredible,” he said with a grin.
Hűha, ez a pizza hihetetlen - mondta vigyorogva.
“Cor, I haven’t seen you in years!”
“Cor, that was a close call,” she whispered after the car stopped.
“Cor, it’s freezing out there today.”
Learner examples
Cor, this cake tastes so good.
Hűha, ez a torta nagyon finom.
Cor, that new phone is really expensive.
Hűha, az az új telefon tényleg nagyon drága.
Cor, you did a great job on this drawing.
Cor, I am tired after that long walk.
Cor, that film was very exciting.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think “cor” is common in all English varieties, but it is mainly British and sounds informal or a bit old-fashioned in some contexts. It should not be used in formal writing. Learners may also confuse “cor” with the more common word “core”; these are unrelated in meaning and pronunciation.
Meaning
Exclamation of surprise or admiration
Collocations
cor blimey
|cor, look at that
|cor, that's amazing
|cor, what a day
Synonyms
wow (Very common and neutral; can be used in most situations where “cor” is used, in both British and American English.)
|
gosh (A mild, slightly old-fashioned exclamation of surprise; less slangy-sounding than “cor.”)
|
whoa (Often shows sudden surprise or shock; feels more American and can sound more dramatic than “cor.”)
Antonyms
meh (Shows lack of interest or excitement, the opposite attitude to the surprise or admiration expressed by “cor.”)
Themes
conversation
|daily life
|emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A short, informal word you say when you are very surprised or impressed, mainly in British English.
Used as an exclamation to show surprise, admiration, or slight shock, especially in British English.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cor
IPA
GB/kˈɔɹ/
US/kˈɔɹ/
Syllables & stress
cor (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (cor)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cor
- Plural: cors
Word family
Forms
cors
noun
Expressions
cor blimey
1/kˈɔɹ blˈaɪmi/
idiom
informal
Strong exclamation of surprise
An informal British phrase you say when you are very surprised, shocked, or impressed.
Examples
- “Cor blimey, that was a fantastic goal!” shouted the fan.
- Cor blimey, I didn’t expect the bill to be so high.
- Cor blimey, it’s colder than I thought out here.