nerd
everyday, Mexico
Mexicans use the English word nerd as it is, and also say matado (or matada for a girl) for someone who studies a lot.
Meaning: a person very devoted to study or tech (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| nerd | everyday, Mexico |
| matado | casual, Mexico |
| matada | feminine |
Matado refers mainly to a student who studies very hard, from the verb matarse, which means to work oneself to death. Nerd fits someone into tech, games or comics.
Which one should you use?
Nerd can be affectionate or teasing. Matado is more of a school word and can sound mocking.
How do you pronounce it?
Nerd is said "nerd", with a Spanish flavor and a soft r.
Did you know?
- Matado comes from matarse estudiando, meaning to study yourself half to death, a phrase students use in Mexico.
Examples in context
- Mi primo es un nerd de las computadoras.My cousin is a computer nerd.
- Ella es la más matada del salón.She is the biggest bookworm in the class.
- Soy nerd y me gusta.I am a nerd and I like it.
Example conversation
Two classmates, Ivonne and Rafa, talk before an exam in Mexico City.
- Ivonne¿Ya estudiaste todo?Have you studied everything?
- RafaSí, soy medio matado.Yes, I am a bit of a bookworm.
- IvonneAyúdame, por favor.Help me, please.
