French word

intello

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɛlo/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)intellectual

Example

Elle est une intello.

She is an intellectual.

Illustration for intello (intellectual)

More examples

Il fait l'intello pour impressionner ses amis.

He acts like an intellectual to impress his friends.

Core concept

A person at home with books, ideas, and serious discussion.

Common phrases

  • un intello

    an intellectual

  • faire l'intello

    act like an intellectual

Similar words

intellectuel: A knowledgeable person who develops and voices theoretical views on society and culture.
rat de bibliothèque: An avid reader who turns to books whenever time is available.

Definition in French

Abréviation familière d'intellectuel, employée surtout à l'oral pour parler d'une personne cultivée, engagée ou portée sur la réflexion.

Word origin

Intello is a colloquial shortening of intellectuel, with the ending reshaped to -o; intellectuel ultimately comes from Latin intelligere and intellectus.

Usage tips

  • The form stays intello for all genders: un intello and une intello, with the colloquial plural des intellos.

Opposites

  • beaufa boornoun
  • ignorantignoramusnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word