kootje

Kootje is a term that can appear in Dutch-language usage as a diminutive form or nickname. It does not denote a single, widely recognized concept, but rather functions as an affectionate or informal variant derived from a base such as Koot, Koos, or Koosje. Because Dutch uses the diminutive suffix -je to create familiar forms, kootje can serve as a personal nickname among friends, family, or colleagues in informal speech.

In practice, kootje may be encountered as a nickname for a person whose name provides a suitable base, or as a playful or stage-name-like form in creative contexts. It can also appear in written works or media as a character name, though such usage is not standardized and varies by author or region. Some uses may resemble a surname element or a brand-name component when employed in product packaging or marketing, but these instances are relatively uncommon and context-dependent.

Etymology for kootje is tied to the broader Dutch pattern of forming diminutives with -je, rather than to a fixed lexical definition. Consequently, its precise meaning is typically inferred from context rather than sourced from a dedicated dictionary entry.

See also: Koot, Koosje.