Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| overol | /obeˈɾol/ | masculine |
| peto | /ˈpeto/ | masculine |
| mamelucos | /mamelukos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| zaragüellos | /θaɾaˈɡweʝos/ | masculine |
The term refers to a loose-fitting pair of pants with a bib.
Which one should you use?
The form overol often refers to the whole garment, while peto can specifically emphasize the bib part of the clothing. The term zaragüellos refers to a specific type of very baggy, traditional breeches or wide trousers, rather than modern industrial overalls.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word overol is commonly used in many Latin American countries. In Spain, the term peto is the standard way to refer to overalls or a bib-style garment. The term mamelucos is often used in Mexico and parts of Central America to refer to coveralls or overalls.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the primary forms provided, including peto, overol, mamelucos and zaragüellos, are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/obeˈɾol/
Did you know?
- While mamelucos refers to overalls in Mexico, the word literally means 'Mamluks', referring to a caste of warrior-slaves in medieval Egypt.
- In some Latin American countries, calling someone a mameluco can be a slang term for a person who is naive or easily manipulated, regardless of what they are wearing.
- The Spanish word peto shares its DNA with the English word 'chest', as both come from the Latin 'pectus'.
Examples in context
- Tom iba vestido con un overol.Tom was dressed in overalls.This sentence shows how to use overol to describe what someone is wearing.Tatoeba #10127537 by Teiruzu, translation #9360393 by DJ_Saidez
- El mecánico lleva un overol azul.The mechanic is wearing a blue overol.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at work clothes in a store.
- DanielElena, ¿crees que este overol me queda bien?Elena, do you think these overalls fit me well?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, te queda perfecto.Yes, Daniel, they fit you perfectly.
- DanielMe gusta que el overol tenga muchos bolsillos.I like that the overalls have many pockets.
- ElenaEs muy práctico para el taller.It is very practical for the workshop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “overalls” translations and entries overol, peto, mamelucos, zaragüellos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries overol, peto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
