diablillo
/djabliʝo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'little devil' is translated into Spanish as diablillo.
The term is used affectionately to describe a child's harmless mischief, rather than to imply actual evil. It refers to a playful or mischievous child who behaves badly in a harmless way.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive formed from diablo (devil) and the suffix -illo (little).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term pilluelo is commonly used to denote a cheeky and playful person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form diablilla is used when referring specifically to a girl or woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/djabliʝo/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, a person might be called a diablillo not because they are being naughty, but because they are incredibly clever or cunning in a way that is admired.
- In some Latin American regions, the word diablo is used as an exclamation of surprise or shock, similar to 'my goodness' or 'wow' in English.
- While diablillo is affectionate, using the root word diablo on its own can be a severe insult or a genuine curse in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Examples in context
- ¡Ese niño es un pequeño diablo!That child is a little devil!
- El jefe suele ser un pequeño demonio detrás de esa sonrisa.The boss tends to be a little demon behind that smile.
- ¡No hagas eso, diablete!Don't do that, little devil!
- Qué traviesillo eres, siempre metiéndote en problemas.You little mischief-maker, always getting into trouble.
- Ese pilluelo siempre nos saca una sonrisa.That cheeky little devil always brings a smile to our faces.
- Ese niño es un diablillo.That boy is a little devil.
- ¡Qué diablillo eres con tus travesuras!What a little devil you are with your pranks!
Example conversation
Javier and María are watching a toddler playing in the living room.
- Javier¿Viste lo que hizo el bebé?Did you see what the baby did?
- MaríaSí, es un diablillo muy travieso.Yes, he is a very mischievous little devil.
- JavierSiempre nos hace reír con sus juegos.He always makes us laugh with his games.
- MaríaEs verdad, es adorable.It's true, he is adorable.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
