previa
/pɾebja/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for the English verb 'pregame' (referring to the consumption of alcohol before a main event) is previa.
The term refers to the social activity of drinking alcohol in preparation for a larger event, such as a Fiesta (party) or a Reunión (gathering).
Meaning: to consume alcohol (verb)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term previa is colloquial and is primarily used among young people or in social contexts involving parties and nightlife.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾebja/
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, the 'pregame' might be called a calentamiento (warm-up), which carries a more physical or athletic connotation than the social previa.
- While previa is common in Spain and Latin America, the specific culture of the 'pre-party' is often linked to the concept of botellón, where groups gather in public spaces to drink before heading to a club.
- In many Latin American countries, instead of using previa, people use the verb previar as a slang way to describe the act of drinking before a party.
Examples in context
- Haremos la previa antes de la fiesta.We will pregame before the party.
- ¿Quieres hacer la previa en mi casa?Do you want to pregame at my house?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are planning their night out.
- LucíaJavier, ¿hacemos la previa hoy?Javier, shall we pregame today?
- JavierSí, me encanta la idea.Yes, I love the idea.
- LucíaPodemos hacer la previa en mi apartamento.We can pregame at my apartment.
- JavierPerfecto, yo llevo las bebidas.Perfect, I'll bring the drinks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
