nini
/nini/from spelling rules
In Spanish, nini refers to a person who neither studies nor works.
The term nini is used to describe someone who is not engaged in either education or employment. It is a colloquial expression that can carry a pejorative or critical connotation depending on how it is used in a sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is an abbreviation of the phrase ni estudia ni trabaja, which literally means "neither studies nor works."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Because nini is colloquial, you should use more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. In these situations, you may use Jóvenes desocupados or Personas sin empleo ni formación (people without employment or education).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of people in the masculine plural, use los ninis.
How do you pronounce it?
/nini/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the term has been criticized for being a 'gender-neutral' sounding acronym that actually reinforces gender stereotypes. Critics argue it disproportionately labels young women who have interrupted their studies for domestic reasons.
- Despite its negative connotation, some youth movements have reclaimed nini as a badge of honor to signify a resistance against 'hustle culture' and corporate burnout.
- While nini is used across the Spanish-speaking world, it is especially prominent in Spanish sociology to describe the 'lost generation' affected by the 2008 financial crisis.
Examples in context
- Él es un nini y no tiene metas.He is a nini and has no goals.
- Muchos jóvenes son nini hoy en día.Many young people are nini these days.
- No quiero ser una nini.I don't want to be a nini.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their brother's lack of direction.
- Mateo¿Tu hermano sigue sin hacer nada?Is your brother still doing nothing?
- ElenaSí, ahora es un nini total.Yes, now he is a total nini.
- MateoEs una situación muy difícil para él.It is a very difficult situation for him.
- ElenaEs verdad, necesita un plan pronto.It's true, he needs a plan soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
