mameluco
/mameˈluko/masculine
The English phrase "onesie" can be translated into Spanish as mameluco. Wiktionary also lists mono and pelele.
Meaning: baby garment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mameluco | /mameˈluko/ | masculine |
| mono | /ˈmono/ | masculine |
| pelele | /peˈlele/ | masculine |
| pilucho | /piˈlut͡ʃo/ | Chile, masculine |
| enterizo | /enteˈɾiθo/ /enteˈɾiso/ |
South America, masculine |
All the provided terms refer to a baby garment.
Which one should you use?
While mono can mean a onesie, in Spain it is also the common word for a monkey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the term pilucho is used to refer to a baby's onesie. In various South American countries, the term enterizo is commonly used for a one-piece garment like a onesie.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided terms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mameˈluko/
Did you know?
- The word mameluco traces its origins back to the Arabic word mamlūk, which literally means 'slave'.
- In several Spanish-speaking countries, mameluco is not just for babies but is the standard term for the heavy-duty coveralls worn by mechanics and industrial workers.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a baby a mono can be a double entendre, meaning they are both wearing a onesie and are as cute as a monkey.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar algunos monos de bebé para mi sobrino.I need to buy some onesies for my nephew.
- Mi hermana quiere un enterito para su bebé recién nacido.My sister wants a onesie for her newborn baby.
- El mameluco es de color azul.The onesie is blue.
- Compré un mameluco muy suave para el bebé.I bought a very soft onesie for the baby.
- Necesito lavar el mameluco de algodón.I need to wash the cotton onesie.
Example conversation
Lucía is preparing the baby's clothes for a trip.
- Daniel¿Dónde está el mameluco blanco?Where is the white onesie?
- LucíaEstá en la maleta de la bebé.It is in the baby's suitcase.
- DanielGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onesie” translations and entries mameluco, mono, pelele, pilucho, enterizo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mameluco, mono, pelele, CC BY-SA 4.0.
