1. Turf: This is the most common meaning. Sod refers to a section of grass and earth that is cut from the ground. It's often used for landscaping or covering bare areas.
2. Slang for "person": This is an informal and often derogatory term for a person. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
* "That sod stole my wallet!": This expresses anger and frustration.
* "He's a right sod.": This implies the person is unpleasant or disagreeable.
3. Archaic insult: In older language, "sod" could also be a vulgar insult, meaning "a person of low status or character."
To understand the meaning of "sod" in a particular context, consider:
* The tone of the speaker: Is it casual, angry, or formal?
* The surrounding words: What other words are used? Are they formal or informal?
* The overall meaning of the sentence: What is the speaker trying to convey?
It's important to be aware of the potentially offensive nature of the word "sod" when used as a slang term.