giro de tuerca
/xiɾo de tweɾka/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'plot twist' can be translated into Spanish as giro de tuerca.
The phrase giro de tuerca is used to describe a sudden change in a story's direction, much like the English 'plot twist'.
Meaning: change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression giro de tuerca literally translates to 'turn of a screw'.
Which one should you use?
While giro de tuerca is the default, you can use giro inesperado or giro argumental for formal contexts. To stress a radical change in the plot, use cambio radical de la trama. In colloquial language, you can use giro sorpresa to convey a plot twist.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾo de tweɾka/
Did you know?
- The term tuerca functions as a 'minced oath' in some Spanish-speaking regions, used as a polite way to avoid saying the vulgar word for 'penis'.
- The word tuerca, meaning 'nut', likely evolved from an old word for 'female pig'. This happened because of a historical comparison between the shape of a bolt and a male pig and a nut and a female pig.
- The Spanish phrase is a direct nod to the classic novel 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James, which is translated into Spanish as La vuelta de tuerca.
Examples in context
- La película está llena de giros inesperados que te dejan sin aliento.The movie is full of plot twists that leave you breathless.
- El libro tiene un giro argumental sorprendente en las últimas páginas.The book has a surprising plot twist in the final pages.
- La serie da un cambio radical de la trama en el último episodio de la temporada.The series takes a radical plot twist in the last episode of the season.
- La novela tiene una vuelta de tuerca que te deja sin habla.The novel has a plot twist that leaves you speechless.
- La película tiene giros sorpresa que nadie se espera.The movie has surprising plot twists that no one expects.
- La película tuvo un giro de tuerca inesperado.The movie had an unexpected plot twist.
- Ese giro de tuerca cambió toda la historia.That plot twist changed the whole story.
- No esperaba ese giro de tuerca al final.I wasn't expecting that plot twist at the end.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a book they both just finished.
- Sofía¿Te gustó el final del libro?Did you like the end of the book?
- JavierSí, el giro de tuerca fue increíble.Yes, the plot twist was incredible.
- SofíaA mí me dejó muy sorprendida.It left me very surprised.
- JavierA mí también me sorprendió mucho.It surprised me a lot too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, giro, tuerca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
