traidor
/tɾaiˈdoɾ/masculine
The English phrase backstabber is translated into Spanish as traidor. If unsure, use traidor. Wiktionary also lists mosca muerta.
Meaning: a traitor or hypocrite (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| traidor | /tɾaiˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| mosca muerta | /moska mweɾta/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, feminine |
The term traidor is a direct and serious way to describe a traitor. In contrast, the colloquialism mosca muerta is used specifically for a hypocritical backstabber who maintains a facade of being harmless or innocent to hide their true nature.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquialism mosca muerta literally translates to dead fly.
Which one should you use?
Use traidor when referring to a male backstabber and traidora when referring to a female backstabber. Use mosca muerta to describe someone who specifically acts innocent to deceive others.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Traidor is a neutral, direct term. Mosca muerta is a colloquial expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of traidor is traidora. The plural form of the colloquialism mosca muerta is moscas muertas.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaiˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word traidor shares its linguistic roots with the English word 'tradition'. Both come from the Latin 'tradere', which means 'to hand over'.
- In Spanish, calling someone a mosca muerta can be a warning to others that a person's modesty or shyness is a strategic mask. It suggests that the most dangerous backstabber is the one who seems the least threatening.
- If you use the term traidor in a formal Spanish setting, it carries a weight of heavy moral condemnation that can feel more dramatic than the English 'backstabber'.
Examples in context
- No confíes en él, es un traidor.Don't trust him, he is a traitor.
- El traidor reveló todos nuestros secretos.The traitor revealed all our secrets.
- Él actúa como amigo, pero es un traidor.He acts like a friend, but he is a traitor.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a former coworker.
- MaríaJavier, ¿supiste que Luis habló mal de ti?Javier, did you hear that Luis spoke poorly of you?
- JavierSí, no puedo creer que sea un traidor.Yes, I can't believe he's such a backstabber.
- MaríaÉl siempre fingía ser tu mejor amigo.He always pretended to be your best friend.
- JavierTienes razón, nunca volveré a confiar en él.You're right, I'll never trust him again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backstabber” translations and entries traidor, mosca muerta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mosca, traidor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
