kolot

Kolot is a term found in Indonesian and Malay slang that functions as an informal adjective meaning old-fashioned or out of date. It is used to describe ideas, technologies, fashion, or attitudes that are perceived as not keeping up with current trends. In everyday speech it can carry either a playful or pejorative tone, depending on context and speaker–listener relationship.

Usage and nuance: Kolot is common in casual conversation, social media, and popular culture. It is often used to label something as antiquated or resistant to change, and can be applied to people or positions deemed out of step with modern norms. The strength of the term varies with delivery and intent, ranging from light teasing to a sharper critique.

Etymology and scope: The word is part of colloquial Indonesian and Malay vocabulary, with regional variations in emphasis and connotation. It is not part of standard formalese, and its acceptability can depend on setting and audience. The primary association in contemporary usage remains linguistic slang rather than a formal linguistic category.

Other uses: In some contexts, kolot may appear as a surname or place name in unrelated languages, but such uses are uncommon and not widely documented. The term’s most prominent and recognizable meaning in modern discourse is as a descriptor for outdated ideas, styles, or technologies within Indonesian and Malay-speaking communities.