korova

Korova is a toponym and cultural reference used in Slavic-speaking regions. The name derives from korova, the word for “cow” in several Slavic languages, and is applied to various places as well as in fictional contexts. As a place name, Korova typically designates small rural localities rather than major urban centers.

In popular culture, the best-known use of the term is the Korova Milk Bar, a fictional venue in Anthony Burgess’s novel A Clockwork Orange (1962) and its film adaptation (1971). Within the story, the bar is depicted as a dim, futuristic social hub where the main characters drink milk-plus and discuss crime and violence. The concept of Korova Milk Bar has become a recognizable element associated with dystopian imagery in later discussions of the work.

Real-world usage of the name Korova appears in several Slavic countries, where it is used for small villages or rural settlements. These localities are typically modest in size and carry the name as part of local geography rather than as a widely known urban center. Because Korova is a generic toponym in multiple languages, it may also appear in local street names or administrative divisions within larger municipalities.

Overall, Korova references range from modest geographic localities to a prominent fictional setting, with the common thread being the linguistic root tied to the word for cow in Slavic languages. See also discussions of A Clockwork Orange for cultural context on the Korova Milk Bar.