vaquera
/baˈkeɾa/feminine
The English phrase "cowgirl" is translated into Spanish as vaquera.
Vaquera refers to a woman who tends free-range cattle. In certain contexts, it can also be used to describe a specific style of denim trousers known as cowgirl-style pants.
Meaning: A woman who tends free-range cattle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the noun vaquero (cowboy or herder), which stems from the verb vaquear, meaning to herd cattle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term Charra is commonly used to refer to female rodeo performers, including cowgirls.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈkeɾa/
Did you know?
- While vaquera describes the profession, a charra is a practitioner of Charrería, the official national sport of Mexico. This distinction separates a working cowgirl from a highly skilled equestrian performer in traditional dress.
- The word vaquera shares a common ancestor with the English word 'cow', as both trace back to the Latin 'vacca'.
Examples in context
- La vaquera monta el caballo con destreza.The cowgirl rides the horse with skill.
- Ella es una vaquera muy valiente.She is a very brave cowgirl.
- Mi tía trabaja como vaquera en el campo.My aunt works as a cowgirl in the countryside.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about María's childhood on a ranch.
- JavierMaría, ¿tú trabajabas en el rancho?María, did you work on the ranch?
- MaríaSí, yo era una vaquera muy joven.Yes, I was a very young cowgirl.
- Javier¿Te gustaba montar a caballo?Did you like riding horses?
- MaríaMe encantaba cuidar las vacas.I loved taking care of the cows.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cowgirl” translations and entries vaquera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vaquera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
