típula
/tipula/from spelling rules
The English phrase "mommy long legs" is translated into Spanish as típula.
típula is a common name used to refer to the crane fly, which is an insect characterized by its very long legs and an appearance similar to a giant mosquito.
How do you pronounce it?
/tipula/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the típula is associated with folk beliefs that its appearance predicts a change in weather or the arrival of rain.
- Unlike the English 'mommy long legs', Spanish nicknames for the típula avoid maternal references and instead focus on physical traits like patas largas.
- The Spanish word típula is a direct descendant of the Latin word tippula.
Examples in context
- Ayer encontré una araña de patas largas en el jardín de mi casa.Yesterday, I found a spider with long legs in my backyard.
- ¡Mira esa arañita patilarga en la pared!Look at that cute little spider with long legs on the wall!
- Vi una típica típula en el jardín.I saw a typical crane fly in the garden.
- Esa típula tiene las patas muy largas.That crane fly has very long legs.
- No me gustan las típulas.I don't like crane flies.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are sitting on their patio at night.
- Alejandro¿Viste esa típula cerca de la luz?Did you see that crane fly near the light?
- ElenaSí, es enorme y me da miedo.Yes, it is huge and it scares me.
- AlejandroTranquila, Elena, no es peligrosa.Relax, Elena, it is not dangerous.
- ElenaLo sé, pero sus patas son muy raras.I know, but its legs are very weird.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries típula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
