kötüsü

Kötüsü is a Turkish word that translates to "the bad one" or "the worst one." It is the superlative form of the adjective kötü, meaning "bad." The word can be used in various contexts to describe something or someone that is exceptionally bad, of poor quality, or malicious. For example, one might refer to "en kötüsü" meaning "the very worst" when ranking options or situations.

In colloquial Turkish, kötüsü can also be used as a noun to refer to a person who is considered evil or wicked, or to a situation that is particularly unfortunate or dire. The usage often depends on the context and the surrounding words. For instance, "işin kötüsü" literally means "the bad part of the job" but is often used idiomatically to signify "the worst of it" or "the unfortunate reality." It implies that a negative aspect or outcome is the most significant or troublesome part of a situation.

The word's versatility allows it to express degrees of negativity, from a slightly unpleasant item to a deeply immoral act. Its etymology traces back to Old Turkic roots, reflecting a long history of expressing disapproval or the lowest quality. Understanding kötüsü is key to grasping the nuances of expressing negative sentiment in the Turkish language.