boli
Spain, informal
The common casual word for a pen in Spain is boli, short for bolígrafo. In Argentina people say birome and in Mexico pluma.
Meaning: ballpoint pen (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| boli | Spain, informal |
| Birome | Argentina, everyday |
| Pluma | Mexico, everyday |
¿Me prestas un boli? is how a Spaniard asks to borrow a pen. In Argentina you would ask ¿Me prestás una birome?
Which one should you use?
Bolígrafo is the standard word. Boli is the shortened casual form, and birome is a local word that came from the name of the inventor of the ballpoint pen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico pluma is the usual word for a ballpoint pen, while in Spain pluma suggests a fountain pen.
Did you know?
- The word birome comes from the surname of László Bíró, the inventor of the ballpoint pen.
Examples in context
- ¿Me prestas un boli?Can I borrow a pen?
- Se me olvidó la birome en casa.I forgot my pen at home.
- Necesito una pluma para firmar.I need a pen to sign.
Example conversation
Irene asks her classmate Raúl for help before an exam in Valencia.
- IreneRaúl, ¿tienes un boli de sobra?Raúl, do you have a spare pen?
- RaúlSí, toma, uno azul.Yes, here, a blue one.
- IreneGracias, me salvas.Thanks, you are saving me.
