barracuda
/baraˈkuda/feminine
The English word barracuda is translated into Spanish as barracuda.
The term refers to the marine fish known as a barracuda.
Meaning: marine fish (noun)
Which one should you use?
While barracuda is the standard term, the word picuda is used informally in certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term picuda is an informal word for barracuda used in parts of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word barracuda is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/baraˈkuda/
Did you know?
- One theory suggests the word barracuda relates to the Valencian or Catalan word barracó, which means 'snaggletooth'.
- While many people assume the name comes from its appearance, the word barracuda has a mysterious origin that may be linked to indigenous Cariban languages of the Caribbean.
- The word picuda is derived from the Spanish word pico meaning 'beak' or 'peak'. It describes the fish's distinctive pointed snout rather than its species name.
Examples in context
- La barracuda es un pez depredador común en aguas tropicales.The barracuda is a common predator fish in tropical waters.
- ¡Cuidado con la picuda del arrecife, tiene dientes afilados!Watch out for the reef barracuda, it has sharp teeth!
- La barracuda es un pez muy rápido.The barracuda is a very fast fish.
- Vimos una barracuda cerca de los corales.We saw a barracuda near the corals.
- Esa barracuda tiene dientes muy grandes.That barracuda has very large teeth.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are snorkeling in the ocean.
- Mateo¡María, mira aquel pez plateado!María, look at that silver fish!
- MaríaParece que es una barracuda.It looks like it is a barracuda.
- MateoEs muy rápida, ya se fue.It is very fast, it already left.
- MaríaSí, la barracuda nada muy veloz.Yes, the barracuda swims very quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “barracuda” translations and entries barracuda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barracuda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
