Galyna_Andrushko/Envato Elements
Kokennchenn
Meaning
A descriptive word used to emphasize that something is extraordinarily large, impressive, important, powerful, or remarkable.
It can describe physical size, a large quantity, or the great importance or significance of something.
Possible Translations: Enormous; immense; tremendous; major; remarkable
Literal Meaning: There is no reliable separate word-for-word translation.
Example 1
Mesye! Josue te peche yon kokennchenn pwason nan lanmè a jodi a!
Man! Josue caught an enormous fish in the sea today!
Example 2
Leomene pral fè yon kokennchenn manje demen. Fòk ou vin manje avèk nou.
Leomene is going to prepare a huge feast tomorrow. You have to come eat with us.
A Powerful Descriptive Word
Kokennchenn often appears before a noun to emphasize its size, amount, importance, or impact.
For example, you might hear:
Yon kokennchenn pwason — An enormous fish
Yon kokennchenn travay — A tremendous undertaking
Yon kokennchenn defi — A major challenge
Yon kokennchenn viktwa — A tremendous victory
The word is not limited to physically large objects. It can also describe an important event, a difficult task, an impressive accomplishment, or something with a major effect.
Although several informal theories have been proposed, the exact historical origin of kokennchenn is uncertain. It is best learned as a complete Haitian Creole word rather than divided into supposed French words.