Literal translation
to remain a fool
Meaning
to be left dumbfounded, sheepish
Explanation
Being sheepish, taken aback. In Provençal, couioun carries many senses that are not very pejorative, often tied to surprise : of someone who catches you off guard, people say « quel couillon, celui-là ! », without meaning he is a fool. Rester couillon thus blends being surprised with not knowing what to do next. Having passed into regional French, the expression keeps there a fond, playful connotation that neither penaud nor déconcerté carries.