Kortstok

Kortstok is a Dutch term that literally translates to “short stick.” In Dutch usage, it is a generic, descriptive label rather than the name of a specific object. The word combines kort (short) with stok (stick or rod) and can refer to a variety of short wooden, plastic, or metal sticks used in different contexts.

Because kortstok is not a standardized term for a single item, its exact form and purpose vary by situation. It may denote a small wooden dowel or handle used in woodworking or crafts, a compact baton or prop used in theater or stage combat, or a short tool designed for a particular task where a longer stick would be impractical. The length and material are usually dictated by the intended use and can range from a few centimeters to roughly half a meter or more.

In Dutch-language texts, kortstok appears primarily as a descriptive phrase rather than as the designation of a fixed object. When encountered, its meaning is inferred from context, specifying what kind of short stick is meant and for what purpose. See also: stok, baton, quarterstaff.