bolas de mono
/bolas de mono/from spelling rules
The English phrase "monkey balls" is translated into Spanish as bolas de mono.
This phrase refers specifically to the testicles of a monkey.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolas de mono/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, mono is also used as a colloquial adjective meaning 'cute' or 'pretty'. Using bolas de mono could lead to a confusing mental image of 'cute balls'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word mono can also refer to a jumpsuit or overalls, making the phrase potentially sound like it refers to a piece of clothing.
- The Spanish word mono shares a common ancestor with the English word 'monkey'. Both trace their origins back to the Arabic word maymūn, which originally referred to baboons and mandrills.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a biology textbook.
- MateoSofía, mira este dibujo de las bolas de mono.Sofía, look at this drawing of the monkey balls.
- SofíaEs una imagen muy extraña, Mateo.It is a very strange image, Mateo.
- MateoSí, pero es parte de la anatomía animal.Yes, but it is part of animal anatomy.
- SofíaTienes razón, es solo ciencia.You are right, it is just science.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, mono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
