pinball
/pimbaʝ/from spelling rules
The English phrase pinball is translated into Spanish as pinball.
The word pinball is an English loanword used directly in Spanish to refer to the arcade game.
Meaning: game (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term petaco is sometimes used to refer to pinball. In Mexico, metralla is an alternative name used for a pinball machine.
How do you pronounce it?
/pimbaʝ/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word metralla used for pinball actually means 'shrapnel' or 'grape shot' in a military context. This links the game's metallic clatter to the sound of artillery.
- While pinball is common, some older Spanish speakers might refer to the game as el flipper. This is because the 'flippers' are the most iconic part of the machine's mechanics.
- While 'pinball' is the standard term, the Spanish slang 'petaco' used in Spain is more commonly associated with 'slang for a person' or 'a large object' depending on the region.
Examples in context
- Mi hijo encontró una máquina de pinball en el centro recreativo.My son found a pinball machine in the recreation center.
- Disfruté mucho jugando al juego de pinball en el salón de juegos.I really enjoyed playing the pinball game in the game room.
- Vamos a jugar pinball este fin de semana.We are going to play pinball this weekend.
- En Argentina, jugar al fliper es una tradición en muchos bares y salones de juego.In Argentina, playing fliper is a tradition in many bars and game rooms.
- Me gusta mucho jugar al pinball.I really like playing pinball.
- Ese pinball es muy viejo.That pinball machine is very old.
- ¿Quieres jugar una partida de pinball?Do you want to play a game of pinball?
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at a local arcade.
- MateoSofía, ¿jugamos al pinball?Sofía, do you want to play pinball?
- SofíaSí, pero ese pinball es muy difícil.Yes, but that pinball machine is very difficult.
- MateoNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
- SofíaEstá bien, vamos a jugar.Okay, let's play.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
