muslo
/ˈmuslo/
The Spanish word for drumstick is muslo.
The term is used to refer to the leg bone of a chicken or other fowl. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase pierna de pollo is the most common and universally understood way to specify a drumstick.
Meaning: leg bone of a chicken or other fowl (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word muslo literally means 'thigh'.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often distinguish between the 'drumstick' (the lower leg) and the 'thigh', Spanish speakers often use muslo to refer to the entire leg piece of poultry.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmuslo/
Did you know?
- The word muslo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'muscle'. Both derive from the Latin mūsculus, which originally meant 'little mouse' because of the way a flexing muscle moves under the skin.
- In culinary contexts, a cuarto de pollo refers to a quarter chicken, which typically includes both the muslo and the pierna as one unit.
- Because muslo literally means 'thigh', ordering it in a restaurant might lead to receiving a larger piece of meat than the English 'drumstick' implies.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría traerme una pierna de pollo, por favor?Could you bring me a drumstick, please?
- ¡Me encanta comer un muslito de pollo asado!I love eating a roasted drumstick!
- El muslo de pollo es muy grande.The chicken drumstick is very large.
- Pide un muslo adicional, por favor.Order an additional drumstick, please.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- MateoMaría, ¿prefieres la pechuga o el muslo?María, do you prefer the breast or the drumstick?
- MaríaPrefiero el muslo porque es más jugoso.I prefer the drumstick because it is juicier.
- MateoEstá bien, yo comeré la pechuga entonces.That's fine, I will eat the breast then.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo. Me encanta el muslo de pollo.Thanks, Mateo. I love chicken drumsticks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry muslo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries muslo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
