Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| holgado | /olˈɡado/ |
| guango | /ˈɡwanɡo/ |
| guangocho | /ɡwanˈɡot͡ʃo/ |
The term refers to clothing that is very loose-fitting. You can modify the degree of looseness by using muy holgado for 'very baggy' or 'extremely loose', and algo holgado for 'somewhat baggy' or 'slightly loose'. In many everyday contexts, Spanish speakers will simply use the word ancho (wide) to describe clothing that is baggy.
Which one should you use?
While holgado means baggy, it often carries a neutral or even positive connotation of being comfortable or having room to move, whereas the English word 'baggy' can sometimes imply looking sloppy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word guango is a more colloquial or slang way to describe something that is excessively loose or baggy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective holgado must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. It changes to holgada for feminine nouns and holgados for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/olˈɡado/
Did you know?
- While holgado describes baggy clothes, it is also used to describe a 'comfortable' schedule or budget, such as un presupuesto holgado for a 'generous budget'.
- The root of holgar is related to the Old French word 'oisier', which is a distant relative of the English word 'leisure'.
- In some Latin American countries, guango can be used to describe a loose tooth or a wobbly table leg, not just clothing.
Examples in context
- Me gusta llevar pantalones holgados en verano.I like to wear baggy pants in summer.
- El suéter que compré es muy amplio.The sweater I bought is very baggy.
- Mis jeans favoritos son flojos y cómodos.My favorite jeans are baggy and comfortable.
- Esa camisa es ancha, pero me encanta su estilo.That shirt is baggy, but I love its style.
- Este pantalón es muy holgado.These pants are very baggy.
- Prefiero usar un estilo holgado.I prefer to wear a loose style.
- Me gusta este suéter holgado.I like this baggy sweater.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are shopping for clothes together.
- MateoMira este suéter, es muy holgado.Look at this sweater, it is very baggy.
- SofíaSí, te queda demasiado grande, Mateo.Yes, it is too big for you, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Prefieres que sea más ajustado?Do you prefer it to be tighter?
- SofíaSí, busca uno menos holgado.Yes, look for one that is less baggy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baggy” translations and entries holgado, guango, guangocho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
