sicario
common, Mexico
In Mexico a hitman is a sicario. The longer neutral phrases are asesino a sueldo and matón a sueldo, both meaning a killer paid for the job.
Meaning: person paid to kill (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| sicario | common, Mexico |
| Asesino a sueldo | neutral |
| Matón a sueldo | neutral |
Sicario is the word used in Mexican news and everyday speech for a person who kills for money, especially in reports about organized crime.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sicario is masculine, and the feminine sicaria exists too. The plural is sicarios.
When do people say it?
Because the word is tied to real violence, it is used in news and fiction rather than as a joke.
Did you know?
- Sicario comes from the Latin sicarius, which meant a dagger carrier and was used for hired killers in ancient Rome.
Examples in context
- El sicario fue detenido ayer.The hitman was arrested yesterday.
- La película trata de un asesino a sueldo.The movie is about a hitman.
- Dicen que contrataron a un sicario.They say a hitman was hired.
Example conversation
Two coworkers talk about a crime show they watched last night in Monterrey.
- Rosa¿Viste la serie anoche?Did you watch the series last night?
- JorgeSí, el sicario casi se escapa.Yes, the hitman almost got away.
- RosaNo me lo digas, no la termino.Do not tell me, I have not finished it.
