Bangkok

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The capital city of Thailand, known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks
2. A major business and cultural hub in Southeast Asia, renowned for its artistic heritage
3. A bustling metropolis famous for its ornate temples and dynamic urban atmosphere

Etymology: Bangkok is a proper noun, so its story is really the story of a city name. The Thai capital's official name is far longer than most readers expect: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, meaning roughly "City of Angels" in its shortened form, with a full ceremonial title running to well over a hundred syllables. "Bangkok" is the name foreigners settled on, and it comes from the older Thai place name "Bang Kok," a village whose name is usually linked to a bang (a waterside settlement) and a kok or "olive" tree, though the exact meaning of the second element is uncertain. The city became the capital in 1782, when King Rama I moved the seat of government across the Chao Phraya River from Thonburi, and the name spread in Western usage from there. Because the word is simply a place name, its English form owes little to classical or Germanic roots; it was taken over from Thai as the city grew into a major port and commercial centre.

Synonyms: capital of Thailand