ladillas
/ladiʝas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "crab lice" is translated into Spanish as ladillas.
This phrase refers to small parasitic insects that infest human pubic hair.
Which one should you use?
The informal translation for "crab lice" in Spanish is ladillas, while the formal translation is piojos púbicos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ladiʝas/
Did you know?
- In Venezuela, the word ladilla is so commonly used to describe boredom or annoyance that the phrase qué ladilla is used to say 'what a drag'.
- The slang use of ladilla to describe a person often implies a sense of 'clinging' or persistence. This is a linguistic metaphor derived from the way the actual insect attaches itself to a host.
- Because ladilla is so commonly used as an insult for an annoying person, using the formal piojos púbicos is essential in medical contexts to avoid unintentional comedy.
Examples in context
- Es importante tratar una infestación de piojos púbicos lo antes posible.It is important to treat a pubic lice infestation as soon as possible.
- Mira, necesito contarte algo. Estoy lidiando con ladillas y no sé qué hacer.Hey, I need to tell you something. I'm dealing with crab lice, and I don't know what to do.
- Él tiene ladillas.He has crab lice.
- Las ladillas son muy molestas.Crab lice are very annoying.
- Necesito un tratamiento para las ladillas.I need a treatment for crab lice.
Example conversation
Daniel is at a clinic talking to María, a doctor.
- DanielMaría, creo que tengo ladillas.María, I think I have crab lice.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Daniel, es algo común.Don't worry, Daniel, it is common.
- Daniel¿Qué medicina debo usar para las ladillas?What medicine should I use for the crab lice?
- MaríaTe voy a recetar una crema específica.I am going to prescribe a specific cream for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
