topknot
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 topknot、traditional child’s topknot
This refers to a small topknot of hair, especially the traditional hairstyle once worn by Thai children.
topknot、traditional child’s topknot
A traditional hairstyle in which a section of hair is left at the crown and tied into a small topknot, especially on children in old Thailand.
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เด็กไว้ผมจุก dèk wáy phǒm cùk The child wears a traditional topknot. เด็กไว้ผมจุก details
Learning notes
Explanation
The word is formed from ผม “hair” and จุก “a tuft or small gathered section.” It is particularly associated with a traditional hairstyle worn by children in old Thailand: part of the hair was left at the crown and tied into a small topknot, while the rest was cut short or shaved. The common expression ไว้ผมจุก means to wear or keep the hair in this style. The term may also describe a modern child’s small topknot when it has a similar appearance.
Usage
It commonly appears in discussions of traditional Thai culture, historical life, literature, folktales, and period dramas. In everyday speech, it can also describe a child’s hair tied into a small tuft at the crown.
Caution
Do not use ผมจุก for an ordinary ponytail, which is ผมหางม้า, or for a typical hair bun, usually called ผมมวย. Also, จุก has other meanings when used alone, including “stopper” and “to be clogged,” but in ผมจุก it refers to a tuft or hairstyle.