víbora de cascabel
Mexico
In Mexico a rattlesnake is a víbora de cascabel. The general Spanish term serpiente de cascabel is just as correct, and people often shorten it to cascabel.
Meaning: a venomous snake with a rattle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| víbora de cascabel | Mexico |
| serpiente de cascabel | general Spanish |
| cascabel | short |
Mexicans often say víbora for a snake, while serpiente sounds more formal or bookish. Warnings in the countryside usually say cuidado con las víboras.
What does it mean word for word?
A cascabel is a small bell, and the snake is named for the rattle on its tail.
Did you know?
- A cascabel is a jingle bell, so the snake's name literally compares its rattle to a little bell.
Examples in context
- Vimos una víbora de cascabel en el cerro.We saw a rattlesnake on the hill.
- La serpiente de cascabel es venenosa.The rattlesnake is venomous.
Example conversation
Tío Héctor warns his nephew Iván before a hike in Sonora.
- Tío HéctorIván, mira bien dónde pisas.Iván, watch where you step.
- Iván¿Por qué, tío?Why, uncle?
- Tío HéctorAquí hay víboras de cascabel.There are rattlesnakes here.
