por los clavos de Cristo
/poɾ los ˌklabos de ˈkɾisto/
The English phrase "gadzooks" can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most notably por los clavos de Cristo. Wiktionary also lists córcholis and carape.
Meaning: Translations (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por los clavos de Cristo | /poɾ los ˌklabos de ˈkɾisto/ |
| córcholis | /ˈkoɾt͡ʃolis/ |
| carape | /kaɾape/ (from spelling rules) |
| caracho | /kaˈɾat͡ʃo/ |
| caramba | /kaˈɾamba/ |
| pamplinas | /pamˈplinas/ |
For example, caramba serves as an informal way to express "gadzooks" and can be translated as "wow" or "gee" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por los clavos de Cristo literally means "by the nails of Christ".
Which one should you use?
Compared to the other forms, por los clavos de Cristo is the most religiously-rooted and intense exclamation of surprise.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The register of these words varies: caramba is a common, mild, colloquial exclamation used to express surprise or frustration, similar to "goodness" or "wow". In contrast, córcholis is an archaic or old-fashioned exclamation of surprise, much like the English "golly" or "goodness gracious".
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ los ˌklabos de ˈkɾisto/
Did you know?
- Using por los clavos de Cristo today can sound intentionally theatrical or archaic, often appearing in period dramas to emphasize a character's piety or dramatic flair.
- The word caracho is a euphemism used to avoid saying carajo, which is considered much more vulgar in many Spanish speaking cultures.
- The exclamation córcholis is so dated that using it in a modern conversation is often a joke meant to mimic the way people spoke in the early 20th century.
Examples in context
- ¡Diantres! No esperaba verte aquí.Gadzooks! I didn't expect to see you here.
- ¡Caray! ¡Qué sorpresa tan agradable!Goodness gracious! What a pleasant surprise!
- ¡Por los clavos de Cristo, qué susto me has dado!Gadzooks, you gave me such a fright!
- ¡Por los clavos de Cristo, no puedo creerlo!Gadzooks, I cannot believe it!
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a very expensive bill.
- María¡Por los clavos de Cristo! Mira este precio.Gadzooks! Look at this price.
- JavierEs demasiado caro, María.It is too expensive, María.
- MaríaNo podemos pagar esto.We cannot pay for this.
- JavierTienes razón, Javier está de acuerdo.You are right, Javier agrees.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gadzooks” translations and entries por los clavos de Cristo, córcholis, caracho, caramba, pamplinas, 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 Cristo, caracho, cristo, de, los, por, por los clavos de Cristo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
