There are many Spanish words that cannot be directly translated into English.
Familiarity with these peculiar Spanish words can not only aid in understanding native speakers but also provide numerous new avenues for expressing ideas.
This article will introduce you to 10 distinctive Spanish words and illustrate their usage.
Table of Contents
Weird Words in Spanish
Here are our top 30 picks for weird words in Spanish:
Lampiño
“Lampiño” is a Spanish word that translates to “hairless” or “shaven” in English. It is commonly used to describe a person who has little or no facial hair or body hair.
| #1 | Soy lampiño |
| #2 | El lampiño en la fila de atras |
Manco / Manca
“Manco” is a Spanish word that translates to “one-armed” or “one-handed” in English.
It is commonly used to describe a person who has lost one of their arms or hands, or who was born with a congenital deformity that resulted in the underdevelopment or absence of one arm or hand.
It is also used by gamers to describe users who can’t play a video game really well.
| #1 | Soy bien manco en Call of Duty |
| #2 | Hay que ser manco para perder esta partida |
Tuerta / Tuerto
“Tuerto” or “Tuerta” is a Spanish word that translates to “one-eyed” or “one-eyed person” in English.
“Tuerto” or “Tuerta” is commonly used to describe a person who has lost one of their eyes or who was born with only one eye.
In some contexts, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who has limited perception or understanding of a situation.
| SPA | No sé su nombre, pero es tuerto. |
| EN | I don’t know his name but he’s got one eye. |
| SPA | El tipo tuerto, ¿cuál es su historia? |
| EN | The guy with no eye, what’s his deal? |
Morbo
In Spanish, “morbo” is a term that has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One common usage of “morbo” refers to a fascination with the macabre or disturbing. It can refer to a morbid curiosity, a desire to seek out and explore things that are gruesome, taboo, or forbidden.
Another usage of “morbo” is related to sexual desire or eroticism. It can refer to a particular kink or fetish, or to an intense fascination with sexual acts or experiences that are considered taboo or unconventional.
| SPA | Creo que la daba un poco de morbo. |
| EN | I think it makes him a bit fascinated |
Empalagar
“Empalagar” is a Spanish verb commonly used to describe something, particularly food or drink, that is excessively sweet or rich, to the point where it becomes overwhelming or sickening.
The verb “empalagar” can also be used figuratively to describe a person or behavior that is excessively sweet in a way that becomes tiresome or irritating. In this context, it can be used to describe someone who is overly affectionate or sentimental, or who is excessively insincere or flattering.
| SPA | La pelicula les empalago |
| EN | The movie became boring |
Quincena
“Quincena” is a Spanish word that refers to a period of two weeks, specifically the first or the fifteenth day of a month, when many people receive their salary or payment. The term is commonly used in Latin American countries to refer to a pay period or to indicate when bills or other financial obligations are due.
In some countries, such as Mexico and other Central American countries, “quincena” has a cultural significance as it marks a time when families gather together, share meals, and engage in social activities.
It is also a time when many businesses offer promotions or discounts to attract customers who have just received their salary or payment.
| SPA | Mi empresa me paga cada quincena. |
| EN | My company pays me every two weeks. |
Estrenar
“Estrenar” is a Spanish verb that means “to debut” or “to wear or use something for the first time.”
“Estrenar” is commonly used when referring to new items or experiences that are being used or enjoyed for the very first time.
| SPA | Voy a estrenar mi nuevo vestido |
| EN | I’m going to wear my new dress for the first time |
Antier
“Antier” is a Spanish word that is commonly used in some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, to refer to the day before yesterday.
“Antier” is a combination of the words “ante” (before) and “ayer” (yesterday).
| SPA | Antier fui a la Iglesia |
| EN | The day before Yesterday I went to church |
| SPA | Antier conocí una hermosa mujer |
| EN | The day before Yesterday I met a pretty woman |
Friolento / Friolenta
“Friolento” or “friolenta” is a Spanish word that refers to someone who is sensitive to the cold or feels cold easily.
| SPA | Soy muy friolento |
| EN | I’m very sensitive to the cold |
Madrugar
“Madrugar” is a Spanish verb that means “to wake up early” or “to get up at dawn”.
Madrugar is commonly used to refer to the act of waking up earlier than usual, typically in the morning.
| SPA | Tengo que madrugar mañana |
| EN | I have to wake up early tomorrow |
