KOÑO

 

Koño comes from a Spanish word that has different meanings, depending on what Spanish-speaking country you come from.

The danger is that, in some places, COÑO is a very delicate word.

In Spain (and other places), COÑO usually means the female genitalia.

But in other countries which speak Spanish, COÑO is simply an expression of anger or even surprise. In Chile, COÑO means a Spaniard (someone from Spain). In Chile and Ecuador, it can also mean someone who is a penny-pincher. 

Since COÑO can be considered a very vulgar, dirty word in some places, and be less offensive in other places, it is best to avoid saying COÑO anywhere Spanish-speaking because, even where it is less offensive, it is still considered something of a swear word or, at least, impolite.

In the Philippines, KONYO came to mean someone rich, and nowadays is the name of the slang used by rich young people, who mix English and Filipino in a certain way.

But in the Marianas, KOÑO is considered a mild exclamation, similar to DAMN or WOW or FOR PETE'S SAKE.

Koño! Håfa na ti un sangåne yo'? Damn! Why didn't you tell me?

Koño! Atan ha' sa' ha chiku gue'! Wow! Just look 'cause she kissed him!

Our mañaina had no idea that coño originally meant the private parts of a female. It came to mean a simple and harmless exclamation for us.