Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tramposo | /tɾamˈposo/ | masculine |
| fullero | /fuˈʝeɾo/ | masculine |
| trafero | /tɾafeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A tramposo is someone who cheats, whether in a game, in sports or by breaking general rules. The term is versatile and can also describe a person who is generally dishonest or untrustworthy in life.
Which one should you use?
tramposo is the most common and versatile term for a cheater. In contrast, fullero implies a more specific type of trickery or swindling, often used when referring to card games or street scams. trafero is also a masculine form for a cheater.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, tramposo or its feminine form tramposa is a widely used term for a cheater.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is tramposo. To refer to a female cheater, use the feminine form tramposa. For a group of male or mixed-gender cheaters, use the plural tramposos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾamˈposo/
Did you know?
- The term fullero has roots in the Arabic word fulla, meaning 'deceit' or 'trick'.
- The word fullero evokes the specific image of a con artist or a street performer using illusions.
- While tramposo is the standard term for a cheater, it comes from the noun trampa, which is the same word used for a physical 'trap' or 'snare'.
Examples in context
- Eres un gran tramposo.You're such a cheater.This sentence shows how to use tramposo to call someone a cheater.Tatoeba #5875625 by baudelaire, translation #9411169 by DJ_Saidez
- Reconozco que el chileno promedio es bien tramposo.I admit that the average Chilean is quite a cheater.This sentence uses tramposo to describe a general characteristic.Tatoeba #1706538 by marcelostockle, translation #1706549 by marcelostockle
- No juego más contigo al dominó, que eres un fullero.I'm not playing dominoes with you anymore, you're a cheater.This sentence uses fullero to describe a cheater in the context of a game.
- El estudiante es un tramposo en los exámenes.The student is a cheater in exams.
- ¡Deja de hacer trampa! Eso no es justo.Stop cheating! That's not fair.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are playing a board game at home.
- Elena¡No te creo, eres un tramposo!I don't believe you, you are a cheater!
- MateoNo soy un tramposo, fue solo suerte.I am not a cheater, it was just luck.
- ElenaMateo, sé que hiciste trampa en este turno.Mateo, I know you cheated this turn.
- MateoEstá bien, lo siento, Elena.Fine, I am sorry, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheater” translations and entries tramposo, fullero, trafero, 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 fullero, tramposo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
