acróstico
/akɾostiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "acrostic poem" is acróstico in Spanish.
The term refers to a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message.
What does it mean word for word?
The word acróstico is derived from the Greek roots akros, meaning extreme or tip and stichos, meaning a line of verse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun acróstico is masculine. Therefore, you should use the masculine articles un or el before it, such as in the phrase un acróstico.
How do you pronounce it?
/akɾostiko/
Did you know?
- In Spanish literary tradition, an acróstico was historically used as a secret way for poets to hide the name of a lover or a political ally within a poem to avoid censorship.
- Spanish poets sometimes use a 'teléstico', which is a variation where the secret message is formed by the last letters of each line instead of the first.
- In certain Spanish regions, an acróstico can be structured as a 'palíndromo', meaning the hidden vertical word reads the same from top to bottom as it does from bottom to top.
Examples in context
- En mi último proyecto de poesía, decidí escribir un poema acróstico en honor a mi abuela.In my latest poetry project, I decided to write an acrostic poem in honor of my grandmother.
- Escribí un acróstico para su cumpleaños.I wrote an acrostic for her birthday.
- Este acróstico es muy difícil de leer.This acrostic is very difficult to read.
- ¿Sabes cómo hacer un acróstico?Do you know how to make an acrostic?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a creative writing assignment at a cafe.
- JavierElena, ¿has terminado el acróstico?Elena, have you finished the acrostic?
- ElenaNo, todavía estoy trabajando en él.No, I am still working on it.
- JavierTe puedo ayudar si quieres.I can help you if you want.
- Elena¡Gracias, Javier! Eso sería genial.Thanks, Javier! That would be great.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
