matasanos
humorous, slang
The best-known Spanish slang word for a doctor is matasanos, literally "healthy-killer". It is a joke word, not a compliment, and the normal words are médico and doctor. It is also called galeno.
Meaning: doctor, physician (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| matasanos | humorous, slang |
| médico | standard |
| doctor | standard |
| galeno | literary, formal |
People say Ese es un matasanos about a doctor they do not trust. To address a doctor politely, use doctor for a man and doctora for a woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Galeno is a literary word for a doctor, found in writing and sometimes used with irony. It is not slang from the street.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not call your own doctor matasanos to their face. The word is teasing at best and offensive at worst.
Did you know?
- The word matasanos is built from matar, to kill, and sanos, healthy people.
Examples in context
- Mi médico me dijo que descanse.My doctor told me to rest.
- No le tengo fe a ese matasanos.I have no faith in that quack.
- Gracias, doctora.Thank you, doctor.
Example conversation
Andrés tells his friend Lola why he is looking for a new clinic in Madrid.
- AndrésCambié de médico.I changed doctors.
- Lola¿Por qué?Why?
- AndrésEl anterior era un matasanos.The last one was a quack.
- LolaTe recomiendo a la doctora Ruiz.I recommend Doctor Ruiz to you.
