Vocabulary

A [^Top]

abarrotero, a m/f. grocer, storekeeper

abocarse v. to focus on, throw oneself into

abono m. down payment, installment

abordar v. to approach; to broach, take up

abridor, —a adj. that opens, opening;
— m. opener (can, bottle); stud earring

abucheo m. booing, jeering, catcall

acatrinarse, encatrinarse v. to make OS elegant

acecho m. stalking, spying
al — coll. being in wait, watching

acerbo, a adj. harsh, bitter

acertijo m. riddle, puzzle, conundrum

acicate adj. sharp; stimulating

acta f. affidavit, certificate

acullá adv. over there, yonder

adrede adv. on purpose, intentionally

adusto, a adj. gloomy, sullen, austere, forbidding

afanoso, a adj. eager, industrious, pains-taking

aguijado, a adj. spurred on, hurried along

águila f. eagle
¿— o sol? coll. heads or tails?

ahínco m. earnestness, ardor, determination

ahíto, a adj. fed up, sick of; full, sated

alabastrino, a adj. of alabaster; treasured, dreamed of

alado, a adj. winged; quick; flying

alarde m. showing off, boasts

albricias f. pl. present, gift

albur m. risk, chance, fate

alcance m. pursuit, spying, encounter

alegato m. allegation, dispute

aleve adj. treacherous, with skullduggery

alevoso, a adj. premeditated

almagrado, a adj. tinted w red ochre

almizcate m. shared patio between two houses

alumbrado, a adj. lit up, chosen

alzarse v. to raise/lift
— el cuello coll. to strut one’s stuff, put on airs

amacizar v. to make stronger; to get a hold on oneself

amaño m. trickery, deception; cleverness

amodorrado, a adj. half asleep, bleary eyed

ancho, a adj. wide; lax
a sus —s coll. at ease, w/o pressure, relaxed

antojito m. bite to eat, snack

añagaza f. lure, decoy; ruse

añejo, a adj. mature, aged; old, stale

apache m. crook, bandit

apartado, a adj. set aside, reserved

apechugado, a adj. tight, passionate

aperramiento m. tenacity, insistence, digging heels in

aplomo m. self-possession, coolness, assurance

apostilla f. footnote, annotation

apremio m. pressure, compulsion

apretado, a adj. close, crowded; tight

apriete m. pursing, pressing together

arañar v. to scratch, to scrape the surface; to be close to (age), be pushing

arañón, a adj. like a spider

archimaduro, a adj. over-ripe

arete m. earring
—s de bolita coll. tear-drop earrings

arisco, a adj. gruff, unfriendly

arraigo m. roots; ancestry, wealth

arrayán m. myrtle, bayberry

arriscamiento m. boldness, resolution, forwardness

arrodillado, a adj. kneeling, begging

arrojo m. boldness, daring, fearlessness

asaz adv. very, rather; extremely

asentado, a adj. settled, agreed, established

asomo m. appearance

atar v. to tie
—se bien un dedo coll. to remember, be reminded

atáxico, a adj. uncoordinated; related nervous disorder ataxia

atento, a adj. attentive, courteous

atiborrarse v. to overload, stuff

atirantado, a adj. having shoulder straps

atisbar v. to see, check (if/whether); to take a look at, sneak a peek at

atragante adj. choking, having something down the wrong pipe

atropello m. outrage, abuse

aventarse v. to throw oneself into, escape to

avorazarse v. to become ambitious, go beyond the call

azaroso, a adj., timid, fearful; unlucky risky, hazardous

B [^Top]

bagaje m. experience, grounding; baggage

bagatela f. trifle, knick-knack

bajeza f. nasty/mean thing to do

balde
en — coll. in vain, for nothing

banqueta f. sidewalk, pavement

bañar v. to bathe, take a bath
mandar a ALGN a — coll. to tell SO to get lost/to go to hell

barajeo m. shuffling; niggling

baratero, a adj. at a cut rate, at an advantageous price

barrabás m. Barabbas (Biblical person)

batahola f. racket, hullabaloo

batalloso, a adj. upsetting, disputed

batidero m. continual beating of one thing against another, bickering; reinforcement of fabric/sail at seam; uneven ground

bebeleche adj. staggering, moving in zigzag (as in hopscotch)

boca f. mouth
a — de jarro adv. point blank, directly

bola f. ball; fib
¡bolas! interj. Holy cow!, Jeez!

bregar v. to struggle, persevere

bulla f. row, quarrel

burdo, a adj. coarse, rough, clumsy

burla f. taunt, mockery

burro m. donkey
aire de — coll. brutishness, crudeness

C [^Top]

cabal adj. complete, perfect, exact, full

cabecear v. to nod off, shake one’s head

cabida f. space, room, place (for)

cachano m. devil, evil spirit

cachete m. cheek (face); buttock

cajeta f. fudge, caramel, toffee

calco, a m/f. copy, imitation

caliente adj. hot
en — coll. then and there, while things are hot

campante adj. relaxed, as if nothing happened

camposanto m. cemetery

cándido, a adj. naïve, stupid; snow-white; candid, simple, straightforward

canijo, a adj. sly, manipulative; weak, puny

cantaleta f. nagging, same old story

canto m. song, singing; thickness
al — coll. in the course of things, in response

capitalón m. large sum of money, nest egg

capotear, capear v. to dodge, duck; bamboozle

caprichudo, a adj. whimsical; stubborn

careo m. confrontation, show-down

carnal, a m/f. pal, buddy

carraco, a m/f. old, sickly wreck

carrizo m. spindly leg; reed

casco m. bottle, container

caso m. case, situation, chance
tener — coll. to matter, make sense, be appropriate

casorio m. wedding; unwise marriage;
—, a adj. wedded

casquivano, a adj. scatterbrained, giddy, flighty

caudal m. wealth, fortune; flow rate

cazuz m. ivy (plant)

cerciorarse v. to check, assure oneself

chachalaco, a adj. loud, insistent, irritating

chalado, a adj. crazy, nuts

chamaco, a m/f. youngster, kid

chamorro m. leg (of animal), calf (of leg, esp. of animal)

chancludo, a adj. wearing sandals/flip-flops

chango m. mischievous/annoying thing

chanza f. chance, opportunity; prank, teasing, joke

chaparro m. short squat person, midget

chapuza f. trick, deception; botched job

charro, a m/f. hick, peasant; traditional Mex cowboy; flashy/gaudy adornment
charro, a adj. rustic, rural, traditional; showy/gaudy

chascarrillo m. witty anecdote, joke

chasco m. trick, hoax; disappointment

chicotazo m. blow; lash of whip

chingadera f. mess, screw-up; piece of crap

chiquiador, a m. home remedy, small poultice with herbs, snake skin, or various ingredients

chiquirringa f., chiquirrín m. cricket

chirrión, a adj. making whip-like sound; screeching; annoyingly loud/sharp sound

chismoseo m. gossiping

choteo m. kidding, joking

chulado, achulado, a adj. cute, sweet; cocky

chunga f. fun, joke

churro m. fluke, accident; mess
ni de — coll. not even by accident

cierne m. budding, blossoming
en —s coll. just starting, in infancy

cierre m. ending, closing; closure, clasp, fastener

cierto, a adj. true, certain
por — que mejor coll. by far the best/better

cintura f. waist
con la mano en la — coll. confidently, self-assured, w/o fear

clave f. key, code

clavo m. nail
atinar al — coll. to hit the nail on the head

Club 45 m. 8-year-old scotch whiskey

coacción f. compulsion, persistent impulse

cochambroso, a adj. filthy

cochinada f. dirty/inappropriate action

colanchón, a adj. in the same boat/life-boat

colmar v. to fill up, finish off

comadreo m., comadrería f. nattering, chattering

combinarse v. to take things in turns; to get together

comedido, a adj. reticent, restrained

comedimiento m. restraint, moderation; helpfulness

competencia f. rivalry, competition

compungido, a adj. sorrowful, sad, contrite

condescendiente adj. obliging, acquiescent

consecución f. obtaining, attainment, reaching (goals)

consigna f. remanding, forcing back (Mex.); instructions; watchword; temporary storage in depot (for traveler)

contorno m. outline, contour

contrasentido m. inconsistency, contradiction, paradox

contratiempo m. mishap, accident, misfortune

contrincante m. rival, opponent

convenenciero, a adj. self-serving, ego-centric

copete m. lock/tuft of hair near forehead

copeteado, a adj. filled to the brim, forming a crown

coraje m. anger, irritation; courage

corajudo, a adj. quick-tempered; gutsy

corazonada f. hunch, feeling; impulse

coronelón, a adj. commanding, like colonel, authoritative

correlón, a adj. running, moving quickly

correntida f. strong impetuous current

correoso, a adj. difficult, tricky; flexible

correspondencia f. connection, link, relationship

correvedile, correveidile f. tattle-tale, gossip

cosquilla f. itch, urge

costal m. sack, bag

covacha f. hell-hole, attic storage room

criterio m. judgment, opinion, view

criticón m. fault-finder, nitpicker

cromo m. color lithograph, picture card

cuadrar v. to square, fit
— con coll. to square/tally with; to fit/go with

cuan
tan <adj> — coll. <adj> adv rel. as, just as, even as (e.g., Él es tan gracioso cuan fuerte.)
cuán adv (intensifier) how (¡Cuán rápido corrió!)

cuate, a m/f. twin (fraternal); buddy; guy

cucaña f. sense/illusion of prosperity, advantage

cuentagotas
a — adv. bit by bit

cuento m. story, tale; joke, trick;
crear a — coll. to bring up/create out of the blue

cuerda f. bowstring; cord, rope
dar — a ALGN coll. to encourage SO

cuita f. domestic strife, trouble; worry

cúmulo m. heap, accumulation

cundir v. to spread, multiply

D [^Top]

dale interj. repeated, again
estar/seguir — que — coll. to go/keep on and on

dejadez f. abandon, sloth, neglect

dengue m. swinging/wiggling of hips; prudery, coyness; dengue fever

denuedo m. energy, focus, effort

departir v. to converse, mingle

derrochar v. to be bursting with, full of

derrotero m. direction, path, course

desabrido, a adj. tasteless, bland; disagreeable, harsh

desacierto m. mistake, unwise action

desbalague m. scattering dispersing, separation,

desbancar v. to oust, supplant

desbarajuste m. disorder, mess, confusion

desbaratar v. to put in disarray; spoil, ruin

desbarrado, a adj. foolish, trashy

desbocada f. faux pas, improper advance, slip of the tongue

desbocarse v. to absorb/occupy oneself; run loose

descarapele m. peeling, cracking

descararse v. to be cheeky, behave badly

descuido m. oversight, carelessness
en un — adv. in a moment of distraction, if you take your eye off the ball

desdibujo m. blurred memory, image, outline

desembrollo m. unraveling, sorting out, clarifying

desemejarse v. to alter the appearance of, to make look different

desgarramiento m. tearing apart, upheaval

desgarriate, desgarreate m. jumble, mess; gibberish

designio m. design, plan

desmentidero m. refutation, denial

desmenuzar v. to analyze thoroughly, pick apart

desmoronamiento m. collapse, break-down

desoír v. to ignore, turn a deaf ear to

desolado, a adj. desolate, sad

desperezarse v. to stretch, stretch one’s limbs

desplante m. insolence, affront, rebuff

desplazarse v. to move about

despropósito m. senseless nonsense

desprovisto, a adj. lacking, without
— de coll. devoid of

desquite m. revenge, payback

destete m. weaning

desveladón, a m/f. insomniac

desvelarse v. to not be able to sleep; to take great care

desviación f. deviation, detour

detallista adj. perfectionist; thoughtful, considerate

detentar v. to hold unlawfully

devaneo m. fling, affair; delirium

devenir m. progression, development, process

devolverse v. to return, come back

diablura f. mischief, devilry

difusión f. diffusion, spreading

dilatarse v. to take a long time, be late

dilogía f. using a word with two meanings in the same sentence; two-sided choice, dilemma

disimularse v. to conceal, hide; pretend nothing happened

dizque adv. apparently, so-called, as they say

dormir v. to sleep
— a pierna suelta coll. to sleep tight/soundly

dos m. two
en un — por tres coll. quickly, in a flash

duermevela f. light sleep, nap

dundo, dundeco, a adj. silly, stupid

E [^Top]

echadizo, a adj. secret, clandestine

elevación f. ascent, rising (to heaven)

embarrar v. to spatter with mud; to besmirch; to make a mess of things

embebido, a adj. saturated, soaked with

emborronarse v. to get smudged/blotched

embozo m. covering, mask, concealment

embrollarse v. to get tangled/wrapped-up in

empañado, a adj. blurred, out of focus, misty

emparrillado m. grill-work, bars

empero conj. but, yet, however

encarrerado, a adj. put back on track, oriented

encerrona f. trap, predicament

enchilado, a adj. red in face, pissed off; seasoned with chili

encomio m. praise, tribute

enconcharse v. to go into one’s shell, to retire into seclusion

encono m. spite, bitterness, animosity

ende
por — adv. therefore, hence, in that way

enfilar to head toward, be directed toward

engarce m. link, connection; mount (gem)

engorro m. hassle, bother, nuisance

enjabonadura f. soaping/lathering up, washing

enjuague m. rinsing

enmienda f. correction, adjustment

enredijo m. tangle, mess

enredoso, a adj. complicated; trouble-making, mischievous

ensalce m. exaltation, flight

enseñar to show, exhibit; instruct, teach
— el cobre coll. to show one’s true self/colors

enseres m pl. equipment, goods

entelerido, a adj. flickering, dancing; trembling

entendible adj. understandable, intelligible

entereza f. integrity, fortitude, composure

enternecido, a adj. tender, compassionate

entrecejamiento m. frowning, scowling

entrega f. dedication, devotion

entresacable adj. able to be extracted, selected, deduced; or surmised

entresacar v. to extract, take from, obtain

entretenido, a adj. distracted, keeping oneself entertained

entreverado, a adj. admixed, mixed with different types, patchy

envolvencia f. clothing; wrapping; involvement

equis adj. certain amount; average, fair to middling

escollo m. reef, shoal; hang-up, pitfall, snag; risk, danger

escorzo m. perspective, foreshortening

escribidero, a m/f. bad writer

escueto, a adj. simple, succinct

escupitajo m. gob of spit, hawker

esgrimirse v. to argue that, put forward

esparcimiento m. amusement, recreation; dissemination

espectral adj. ghostly, like a specter

esperanzado, a adj. hopeful, optimistic

esquema m. outline, schema; way of thinking

estado m. state; status
— civil coll. marital status

estampa f. image, figure

estarcido, a adj. stenciled, masked
— m. stencil, stenciled sketch

estilarse v. to be in fashion, be customary to do

estire m. stretch, pressing issue

estridule m. creaking, squeaking

estropicio m. rumpus; breakage, mess

ex profeso adv. on purpose, by design

expectación f. anticipation, excitement

F [^Top]

fabulación f. invention, creation

factible adj. practicable, feasible

falacia f. fallacy; deceitfulness

fantoche m. loud-mouth, braggart; puppet

faramalla f. lie, deception, bragging

festín m. party, banquet

fidedigno, a adj. reliable, trustworthy

figuración f. imagination

filípica f. harangue, tirade

filo m. direction, line; blade edge; sword
al — de <time> coll. at the stroke of <time>

firulín, firulete adj. superfluous, in bad taste

fisgón m. snooper, nosey one, curious one

flagrante adj. flagrant, glaring

flamante adj. splendid; brand new

flojera f. faintness, weakness
dar — coll. to not feel like/up to

foco m. light, spotlight; focus; focal point

follón m. silent fart

foráneo, a adj. foreign

franco, a adj. open, natural, exposed

fregadero, a m/f. pain in the neck, nuisance

friega f. rubbing; nuisance
en — adj. irritating, annoying

frijolerío m. preparation of beans

fuereño, a m/f. outsider, foreigner

fulminado, a adj. struck as if by lightning, stricken

G [^Top]

gacho, a adj. down on all fours

galancete m. actor playing a younger person; dapper little man

gallardo, a adj. graceful, elegant; brave, bold

gandul m/f. idler, good-for-nothing

gane m. win, advantage, benefit

ganga f. bargain

garduño, a adj. given to petty theft

garete
al — coll. adrift, w/o supervision

garlito m. trap, snare

garrapateo m. scribbles, scribbling

gatazo m.
dar el — coll. to look younger than one is, to not show one’s age

gatería f. cattiness, maliciousness; false modesty

glosa f. brief explanation (often erroneous), annotation, comment

gnosis f. certain spiritual knowledge

godeño m. prized/valued belongings, gifts

grado m. rank, grade, degree
— enfermizo coll. point of clinical concern

grana
de — coll. deep red, cochineal

greña f. mop of hair; lock of hair

grisura f. grayness; unresponsiveness, dullness

guaje adj. silly, stupid
hacerse — coll. to fool SO, take SO in

guasa f. jest, joke, mockery

gubio, a dark, gloomy, depressing

güirigüiri, güiri-güiri m. nattering, idle chatter

guitón, a m/f. slacker, lazy person

gusto m. pleasure; good taste
en —s se rompen géneros y en petates buenos culos coll. to each his own, there’s no accounting for taste (in matters of good taste, classes/types are broken, in bed good asses/virginity.)

H [^Top]

hablantín, a, hablanchín, a adj. talkative, garrulous

hablar v. to speak
no — ni pío coll. not to breathe a word

hado m. fate, destiny

hálito m. breath

hartazgo m. surfeit, bellyful

harto adv. quite, a good deal, rather, pretty much

hilazón f. link, connection; joining, stitching

hilo m. thread; linen
tener mucho — to be highly likely/possible

hiriente adj. hurtful, cutting

hondura f. profundity

horadar v. to perforate, pierce, drill

huerco, a m/f. youth; girl, chick

huizache, huisache m. shyster, unqualified lawyer

hurtadilla
a —s adv. furtively, on the sly

I [^Top]

idilio m. idyll, romantic relationship

importuna f. inconvenience, inopportuneness
por — adv. annoyingly, inopportunely

impudicia f. immodesty, lewdness

inabarcable adj. vast, extensive, uncontainable

inconsecuencia f. inconsistency

íncubo m. incubus (devil); nightmare

índole m. nature, type, kind

infame adj. disgusting, awful

infrangible adj. unbreakable

íngrimo, a adj. alone, abandoned, lonely

inopinado, —a adj. unexpected

insulso, a adj. insipid, dull

interiorista adj. interior, internal; inward
interiorista m/f. interior decorator/designer

interpelada f. questioning, imploring

inverosímil adj. improbable, incredible, far-fetched; misleading

ipso facto adv. by that act, as a result

irse v. to leave, take off
— a pique coll. to sink, go to ruin

J [^Top]

jalar v. to pull, tug; to count, have pull
— el pelo coll. to tease, pull one’s leg

jalonar v. to pull, tug, yank

jaloncito m. tug, pull

jaloneo m. haggling; pull, tug

jaque m. check (chess);
mantener en — coll. to keep in check; to put SO on the defensive

jilito, hilito, a adj. thin, threadlike

jugado, a adj. over, done, played out; won

justificación f. reason, excuse

L [^Top]

lapso m. interval, period (time)

lasca f. small stone chip/piece

lelo, a adj. stupid, dull

lerdo, a slow; slow-witted

licenciar v. to permit, allow; to license

línea f. figure; line

lineamiento m. guideline; distinguishing or characteristic feature

luchador, a adj. determined, persistent, tenacious

luengo, a adj. long, prolonged

lujo m. excess, abundance; luxury

M [^Top]

macaco, a adj. homely, ugly

machaca f. crushed/mashed stuff

machacón, a adj. insistent, repetitive

macuco, a adj. crafty, cunning; old, useless

magín m. mind, imagination

mago, a m/f. magician, wizard/sorceress

magro, a adj. poor; meager, lean

maguer conj. (aunque), although, even though, but

magullado, a adj. worn, wrinkled, rumpled; bruised, injured

majadería f. silliness, absurdity

mal bad
— que bien adv. somehow or other

manga
dar — ancha coll. to give free rein, broad permission

mango m. Mango tree; handle; good-looking fellow

manicomio m. insane asylum

manido, a adj. trite, hackneyed

manoseo m. groping, feeling up

maña f. skill, care

mañana f. morning; tomorrow
— m. near future, future

maquiscóatl m. the “frightful snake” — a two-headed snake (one at each end) from which the Indians read various omens. Also the name of a “tale-bearer”, said to have two tongues and two heads.

maquiscoatlaco, a adj. related to maquiscóatl

marmaja f. dough, money

marrano, a m/f. pig, swine

matalotaje m. jumble, mess

matiz m. shading, hue

mayatón, a adj. Mayan; fruity, gay, homosexual

mazorca f. corn cob, ear of corn
pelar la — de los dientes coll. to smile (showing one’s teeth)

media f. half
— naranja coll. better half (spouse)

medrar to grow; to thrive, prosper

medroso, a adj. fearful, timid

mellizo, a m/f. twin (esp. fraternal)

memo, a adj. silly, stupid, daft

mendaz adj. untruthful, mendacious

menos adv. less
cuando — coll. at least
no es para — coll. rightly so, quite right too

mentado, a m/f. aforementioned one

menudencia f. trifle, detail, unimportant event

meollo m. pith, heart, core; marrow

mesarse v. to pull at, tweak (hair)

miramiento m. circumspection; consideration, regard

mirujeada f. glance, second look

mofa f. mockery, ridicule

mohíno, —a adj. depressed, sulky, annoyed

mono, a monkey-like; cute, adorable (child)

montonal m. large heap, huge amount

moño m. ribbon, bow; bun (hair)
ponerse los —s coll. to put on airs, show off

morbo m. morbid/perverse curiosity; sexiness

mordaz adj. scathing, caustic, biting

mosquiento, a adj. fly-bitten

motu
de — propio adv. of one’s own accord

muchachil adj. boyish/girlish

mugrero m. dirtiness, messiness

murrio, a adj. depressed, sad

mustio, a adj. hypocritical; withered; depressed

mutismo m. silence

N [^Top]

nefasto, a adj. unlucky, ill-fated

negociazo m. business deal

neto, a adj. distinct, clear

niña f. eye, pupil; girl

nocivo, a adj. injurious, noxious

nogal m. walnut tree

nogaleda f. walnut grove

nombrar v. to discover, designate; name, appoint

nopalerío m. patch of nopal cactus.

notición f. extraordinary news, heads-up, bombshell

noviar v. to be dating, courting

Ñ [^Top]

ñoño, a adj. insipid, dull

O [^Top]

obcecado, a adj. obstinate, mentally blinded

obnubilación f. blurring, confusion

obviado, a adj. evaded, omitted

occiso, a m/f. victim, deceased

ociosidad f. idleness, shiftlessness

olvidadizo, a adj. forgetful; ungrateful

omóplato m. shoulder blade, scapula

onírico, a adj. dreamlike

ordenamiento m. ordering, arranging

orla f. border, fringe, trimming

orondo, a adj. calm, serene, smug; rotund

otredad f. otherness, being different

P [^Top]

pajarear v. to listen/watch intently

pajarero, a adj. merry; meddlesome

pajarraco m. rogue, rascal; big ugly bird

palique m. chat, chitchat

palmario, a adj. clear, evident, manifest

palpar v. to caress, fondle

pandeado, a adj. bent over, slouching

pandorga f. nuisance; prank; fat woman

pañoleta f. kerchief, scarf

paquete m. packaging, wrapping
darse — coll. to put on airs
dejar el — coll. to leave with the work load; to leave in a family way (pregnant)

pardear v. to look/turn brownish/yellowish

parecido, a adj. similar, alike

parejadura f. pairing, similarity

paseador m. traveler, tourist

patillas f. pl. side whiskers, side burns

pátina f. patina, surface appearance with age; slippage, skating

patrimonio m. inheritance, assets

paulatinamente adv. gradually, bit by bit

pauta f. standard, pattern, guideline

pegoste m. parasite, scrounger

pelota f. ball
hacerse —s coll. to cozy up to, suck up to; to hurt emotionally

pelotón, a adj. full, rounded

pendiente m. pending matter
al — coll. waiting, at service

percatarse v. to notice, realize

perentorio, a adj. with fixed limit, pressing, urgent

pergeño m. aspect, appearance

perrada f. pack of dogs (people); dirty trick

pese a pese adv. in spite of everything, at all costs

peso m. weight; influence
razón de — coll. an important/decisive reason

pesquisa f. inquiry, investigation

petate m. bed mat, bedroll; see gusto

peyorativo, a adj. pejorative, disparaging

piache
tarde — m. late comer; one too late for business opportunity

pichicato, a adj. stingy, mean

pichón, a adj. like pigeon; dear

picotazo m. peck, sting

pie m. foot
dar — a ALGO coll. to cause, give rise to

pierde
no tener/encontrar — ALGO coll. to be easy to find something following given instructions

piernerío m. set of legs

pillo, a m/f. sneak thief, pickpocket

pilón m. trough, basin (of a fountain); bonus, tip
de — coll. as a bonus/extra/tip

pilongo, a m/f. tall, thin; dried (chestnut); person baptized in same font as another

pimpante adj. flattering, spruced up

pinabete m. fir tree

pingajo m. remnant/scrap of cloth

pingo m. scamp, devilish kid

pinturreo m. careless smudging of color

pisteo m. drinking, tipsiness

pisto m. alcoholic drink

pituso, a m/f. small, cute kid

pizca f. bit, whit, slightest trace

plano, a adj. flat, level
de — adv. plain and simple

plaste m. plaster, gesso

ponzoña f. poison, venom

porfiar v. to strive, endeavor, persist

postrer adj. last, final

premiosidad f. urgency, pressure

premisa f. premise

prestancia f. poise, elegance, grace

pretendido, a m/f. one being courted, sought after

pretérito, a adj. past, previous

principio m. start; principle
en un — adv. initially, at first

probadita f. tentative test, feeling out

proclive adj. given to, inclined to, prone to

procura f. obtaining, getting; caution and shrewdness in business

prodigarse v. to overexpose oneself, squander oneself

prolijo, a adj. perfect, fit for; detailed, meticulous

propiciatorio, a adj. appeasing, conciliatory

provechoso, a adj. beneficial, advantageous

prurito m. itching, urge; pride

pudrición f. decomposition, decay

puerco, a adj. filthy, dirty; coarse

pulla f. nasty comment, cutting remark

pulso m. steady hand; pulse; wrist
a — coll. by hand, with skilled hand

punto m. point; mark; stitch
a — coll. at the ready

Q [^Top]

quedado, a adj. left as bachelor/spinster, left behind, left on shelf

quema f. burning, fire

querendón, a adj. very loving, affectionate

quihubo that were, who have been

quinto m. nickel (coin)

R [^Top]

rajador, a adj. cutting, splitting

rampa f. ramp, slope; launching pad

ranchear v. to stop here and there, meander; to have a meal; to pillage

rastra f. pulling, tearing; act of dragging along

rata f. rat
— cuerera coll. experienced/street-wise rat, crafty one

rauco, a adj. hoarse, suffering laryngitis

raudo, a adj. swift, rapid

rebajar to reduce, thin, cut

rebane m. sexual/amorous adventure
al — coll. on the make, seeking sexual/amorous adventure

rebose m. state of bursting, overflowing

recalar v. to appear in, end up in

recargado, a adj. leaning against; overwhelmed

recomendación f. advice, recommendation

recomponer v. to mend, repair; to reset

reconcentrarse v. to focus, become totally absorbed

reconcomio m. suspicion; urge, itch; resentment

recuento m. retelling, recounting

redil m. sheepfold, corral, enclosure; fold

redila f. stall, stanchion, small enclosure

redondear finish up; round off; put on sound footing

redondez f. fullness, entirety; roundness

reducto m. bastion, stronghold

reelaborado, a adj. re-made, re-implemented, re-developed,

refile, refilón
de — adv. in passing, incidental; to one side; at a glance, out of the corner of one’s eye

refine m. refinement; purity (alcoholic content)

refreno m. restraint, holding back

regañadientes
a — adv. unwillingly, reluctantly, through clenched teeth

regar v. to water; to wash; to sprinkle
—la (cajeta) v. (Mex.) to screw it up, make a mess of it

regentear v. to manage, oversee

regla f. rule
—s de tres coll. multiplication by rule of ratios

regocijo m. rejoicing, joy, pleasure

relumbroso, a adj. shining, dazzling

rematar v. to auction; to conclude; to finish off

remate m. coup de grace; end, finish, conclusion

remiso, a adj. reluctant; slow

rendimiento m. output, yield; efficiency

reparo m. objection, criticism, doubt

repaso m. review, revision; mending

replantear v. to raise/pose again, reconsider

repuje m. relief, outline, being embossed

repunte m. turning of the tide; rise; rounding up

repunteado, a adj. starting to show, increasing, rebounding

reserva f. caution, reserve; back seat, reserve bench

retahíla f. string, sequence, stream

retintinear v. to jingle, echo, resound

retoño m. kid, child; shoot, sprout

reuma m. rheumatism

revuelo m. stir, commotion

revuelque m. romp in hay

rezagarse v. to fall behind, lag

risueño, a adj. smiling, pleasing

robadero m. theft; kidnapping; elopement

rollizo, a adj. chubby, plump

rompedor, a adj. earth-shaking, upsetting

rozagante adj. showy, proud

rucio, a adj. like an ass/donkey; gray-haired

rugosidad f. roughness, having creases/wrinkles

rulo, a adj. circular, rounded, looped

rumia f. rumination, pondering

runrún m. rumor, buzz, murmur

S [^Top]

sabedor, a adj. knowledgeable, aware

sahumerio m. incense, aromatic substance

sajadura f. cut, incision

salar v. to bring bad luck to, curse

saleroso, a adj. charming, witty

saltón, a adj. half-baked; bulging

sangrón, a adj. stuck-up, disagreeable

santo m. saint; name
— y seña coll. name and password; identifying information

secatura f. tasteless/bothersome issue

secuela f. sequel, proceedings

semblante m. face, countenance; demeanor

sembradío m. sown field

semiaceitunado, —a adj half-stained with olive oil

seno m. breast, bosom; heart, core, bosom; womb

sentencioso, a adj. judgmental, dogmatic; pithy

señero, a adj. unequalled; solitary

sibilino, a adj. mysterious, prophetic

signado, a adj. marked; crossed

sinsentido m. absurdity, senselessness

soberbio, a adj. haughty, arrogant; proud

sobra f. excess, surplus

sobrando adv. excessively, more than appropriate

sobrentenderse, sobreentenderse v. to understand perfectly, be implicit in

sobrentendido m. unspoken/implicit state

socarrón, a adj. sarcastic, snide

sofaldar v. to uncover/reveal hidden thing; to raise skirts

somero, a adj. superficial, shallow, summary

sonámbulo, a m/f. sleep-walker

sondeo m. exploration, trying, sounding out

sonrojo m. blush, flush

sonsacar v. to worm/wheedle out of

sopesar v. to weigh, judge, consider

sopetón m. punch
de — coll. suddenly, unexpectedly

sorna f. (malicious) coolness; scorn, sarcasm

sortilegio m. spell, charm

soslayar v. to dodge, sidestep

soso, a adj. tasteless, boring

subrepticio, —a adj. surreptitious, stealthy

suertudo, a adj. lucky, fortunate

suficiencia f. smugness, self-importance; competence

súpito, a adj. dumbfounded, out of it; thunderstruck

suposición f. supposition, assumption, surmise

susodicho, a adj. afore-said, above-mentioned

T [^Top]

tacañez f. stinginess, meanness

tacha f. blemish, stain, flaw

tajo m. cut, slash; cutting edge
de un solo — adv. all at once, in one fell swoop

talacha f., talache m. mattock; hard work
hacer la — coll. to have a job, be working (hard)

tallarse v. to rub, open (~eyes)

tamañaje m. size, dimensions, proportions

tanteo m. feeling one’s way, sounding out, using trial and error

tapujo m. deceit, secrecy

tardado, a adj. late (in time, day, life)

tartana f. wreck, clunker, rattle-trap

tarugo, a m/f. blockhead; dummy

teatrero, a adj. theatrical

templanza f. calmness, harmony, temperance

temple m. mettle, level-headedness

tendajo, tendejón m. small shop, stall

tenebroso, a adj. gloomy, dark

terregoso, a adj. covered with dirt clods

testa f. head

tiesura f. stubbornness; conceit

tijeretazo m. snip, scissor cut

tirantez f. strain, tension

tiro m. shot; throw
de a — coll. at once, then and there; completely, entirely

títere m. puppet
—s m./pl. puppet show

tololoche m. traditional musical instrument like double bass

tope m. limit, end
hasta el — coll. to the fullest extent

toque m. shock, discharge; touch; stroke

traba f. obstacle, hindrance

trabajal m. big load of work

trabajillo m. chore, task

trágala m. taunt, pressure (against will)

traída f. carrying, bringing

trailero, a m/f. trucker, truck driver

trance m. critical moment, occasion, crisis, ordeal

traqueteado, a adj. hectic, busy, bustling about

trascendencia f. import, gravity

trasero, a adj. back, rear, on the backside

traslucir v. to show, reveal

trastada f. prank, mischief, dirty trick

trastrueque m. switch over, change around, inversion

trasunto m. copy, likeness

traza f. type, aspect

trecho m. space, distance; while (time); bit, part
a —s coll. here and there, now and again, by fits and starts

tregua f. truce; respite

treta f. trick, ruse, stratagem

tris m. trice, short time
a un — coll. in a moment, about to, in danger of

triza f. shred, bit, piece

trolis adj. tipsy, drunk, high

trompicarse v. to trip

tupetear v. to finish off, drain

tupidero m. thicket, grove

U [^Top]

ufano, a adj. smug, vain

urbanidad f. politeness, courtesy

V [^Top]

vago, a adj. vague, uncertain, indefinite, undefined
a lo — coll. slowly, uncertainly

vendeja f. public/commercial sale

venia f. consent, permission

ventanero, a adj. watching women through window; showing off in window

verde adj. fresh; risqué; green

vespertino, a adj. evening

vetarro, a m/f. old/geriatric person

vez f. time
hacer las veces de coll. to act as, take the part of

vibra f. good vibes, good feelings

vilanchón, villanchón, a adj. crude, coarse, villainous

vilipontente, viripotente f. marriageable woman

vislumbre m. glimpse; vague idea

viso m. aspect, appearance, suggestion, symptom

vivencia f. experience

viveza f. brilliance, brightness, sparkling

vividor, a m/f. free-loader, playboy/girl

volado m. coin toss

voltear v. to turn around, turn

vuelco m. upset, sudden change

Y [^Top]

yerro m. mistake, error

Z [^Top]

zafar v. to free, release; undo, separate; beautify, make pretty

zángano, a m/f. idler, good-for-nothing, ditz

zonzo, a adj. silly, stupid

zopenco, a m/f. nitwit, clod

zopilote m. vulture, buzzard

zopo, a adj. twisted; crippled, maimed

zorra f. whore, tart; vixen

zorrez f. astuteness, caution

zorro m. fox
no de — coll. not crafty/sly

zote m/f. dimwit

zozobra f. start, fear; anguish, anxiety

zumbadero m. fly, snooper

zumbar v. to buzz, whirr
— le a ALGO coll. to take an interest in, work on

zumo m. benefit, use, substance; juice

zurda f. left hand