Coo and Coup are similar-sounding words but differ in spellings and meanings. The last letter ‘p’ in the word coup remains unpronounced, thus is pronounced as ‘coo’. These words are not of the same part of speech as well and are used in different contexts in a conversation.
Coo vs Coup
The main difference between coo and coup is that coo is a sound that is similar to the sound a pigeon or a dove makes. On the other hand, a coup is a political term that means a sudden change in the government. Both these terms have a different meaning and spelling of their own.
A pigeon or a dove generally has a low, soft sound of its own, similar to a muttering sound. These birds are often said to be ‘cooing’ while making this sound. When a person speaks in a soft and sweet voice, he is said to ‘coo like a dove’.
A coup is said to have taken place when the government of a nation is changed suddenly. A coup is implemented to ensure that the ruling party or any person in authority is overthrown. A coup also means a smart or clever action done to achieve something. Coups are primarily violent.
Comparison Table Between Coo and Coup
| Parameters of Comparison | Coo | Coup |
| Part of speech | Verb | Noun |
| Field of Study | Bird Vocalization. | Defense and Security. |
| Origin Language | French | Danish |
| Action performed by | Birds | Rebel group or military |
| Types | Mourning Dove Coo, Baby’s coo, Pigeon’s coo, etc. | Presidential coup, Democratic coup, Military coup, Neo-liberal coup, etc. |
What is Coo?
Cooing is an action word. It is definable as the sound that feathered birds make. These sounds are their mode of communication with other birds of their family. A ‘coo’ is a soft, muttering sound made primarily by doves and pigeons. When one compares it to the shrieks and shrill voices of other birds, a coo is soft and easy on the ears.
A coo also signifies a sad and sorrowful sound made by the birds. This sound is heard when they are in pain or struggle to do something. The coo grows louder when they are shocked or stunned. This sad coo is known as the ‘mourning dove’ sound.
In other contexts, cooing also means having an affectionate and loving conversation. Some poets and writers often use the verb coo to express how two people endearingly talk to each other in a soft voice. For eg: The couple coos to each other lovingly.
Cooing is sometimes also referred to as the first sound that babies make. It is the sound that they make after crying while calming themselves. Cooing does not require the movement of other mouth muscles to create a phonetic sound. It is simply a sound and not pronunciation.
What is a Coup?
The word coup comes from the French words Coup d’etat, which means removing a government from its power. It refers to the illegal snatching of power from governing authorities or dictators. An organization, protest group, or military can plan and implement a coup. A coup is generally organized against an unworthy or unjust authority or ruling party.
There are several different types of coups. These include Military coup, democratic coup, palace coup, putsch, pronunciamiento, presidential coup, parliamentary coup, etc. They have been organized when a small group overthrows an authority in power using violent means.
Earlier, coups often took place to seize the power of evil authorities. These were implemented with the motive to help the people suffering the injustice. Some personal and social grievances are the reasons for a coup to arise. A coup focuses on the seizure of power from authority. However, they have consequences that harm the lives of people living in the region the coup is organized.
The 2021 Myanmar Coup d’etat, the Beer Hall Putsch, the Musharraf Coup, and the coup of Napolean Bonaparte are some of the most known coups that have taken place in history. These coups have had good and bad impacts on the lives of people.
Main Differences Between Coo and Coup
- Coo is a concept related to the sounds of birds, whereas a coup is a military or security-related term.
- A coo is defined as a low muttering sound, whereas a coup denotes a power seizure or removal.
- The word coo has its origin in Danish, Hindi, and Persian languages, whereas, the word coup comes from the French language.
- A coo is primarily an action word, whereas a coup is a noun that comes from the word coup d’etat.
- Coo is a simple sound with no life threatening consequences, whereas a coup is a military action with severe consequences on life.
Conclusion
Coo and Coup are both a pair of homophones. These are unrelated words that have different meanings. Both the terms have the different spelling as well. A coup is a french word that is pronounced with a silent ‘p’ in the end. The field of study of both these terms is also completely different.
The noun coo is an action performed by birds or other small animals. The sound is a soft and low mutter. Birds generally make this sound while they are in pain. Birds such as pigeons and doves use cooing as a mode of conversation.
Coup is a defense-related concept. It is the removal of authority in power. Certain violent means are used to conduct a coup, and a sudden attack is implemented. The main aim of a coup is to take away the powers of the authority and become the usurper of the region. Coups can have good or bad consequences
Coo and coup are thus two very different terms. They are studied by different kinds of professionals. They vary in their applicatory fields as well. Coups can result in massive changes in the lives of people due to the sudden switch in power.
References
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-child-language/article/abs/features-of-infant-sounds-the-emergence-of-cooing/9A31C0092E6C81CA969E5687E2DFA379
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/3796303
- https://academic.oup.com/fpa/article-abstract/12/2/192/2367607
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/226634