porra
/ˈpora/
The English phrase 'police baton' is translated into Spanish as porra.
The term porra refers specifically to a heavy stick used by police officers for defense and crowd control. It can be used informally to describe a police baton.
Which one should you use?
While porra is the specific term for a police baton, garrote can be used to refer to a more generic heavy club or cudgel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term macana is sometimes used informally to express a police baton.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun porra is feminine and its plural form is porras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpora/
Did you know?
- The word porra shares a surprising history with the English word 'porridge'. Both words descend from the Latin word for 'leek', porrum, suggesting a common root-link between a vegetable and a police baton.
- In a sporting context, a porra is a popular betting pool where people predict the results of football matches.
- In Latin American student culture, a porra refers to a cheering squad or the rhythmic chants used to support a team.
Examples in context
- La policía utiliza la porra policial para mantener el orden públicoThe police use the police baton to maintain public order
- El oficial sacó la porra y la mostró como advertenciaThe officer took out the police baton and displayed it as a warning
- El oficial lleva una porra en el cinturón.The officer carries a baton on his belt.
- La policía usó la porra para controlar la multitud.The police used the baton to control the crowd.
- Solo tenía una porra para defenderse.He only had a baton for defense.
Example conversation
A news reporter and a witness discuss a recent protest.
- María¿Viste si algún policía usó la porra?Did you see if any police officer used a baton?
- DanielSí, un oficial de la policía usó su porra.Yes, a police officer used his baton.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿fue muy violento el incidente?Daniel, was the incident very violent?
- DanielFue un momento muy tenso para todos.It was a very tense moment for everyone.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry porra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries porra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
