lechuguilla
/let͡ʃuˈɡiʝa/
The English word "ruff" can be translated into Spanish as lechuguilla or gorguera.
Meaning: circular frill or ruffle on a garment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| lechuguilla | /let͡ʃuˈɡiʝa/ |
| gorguera | /ɡoɾˈɡeɾa/ |
Both words refer to a circular frill or ruffle on a garment. Use lechuguilla when you want to be descriptive or poetic, emphasizing a ruffled, leafy-looking trim. Use gorguera when you are discussing specific garment components or historical costumes.
What does it mean word for word?
lechuguilla is a diminutive of lechuga (lettuce), literally meaning little lettuce because the ruffled appearance of the fabric resembles the vegetable.
Which one should you use?
While lechuguilla highlights the visual resemblance to lettuce, gorguera is the more technical or standard term for a structural neck ruff or collar.
How do you pronounce it?
/letʃuˈɡiʝa/
Did you know?
- The root of gorguera traces back to the Latin word gurges, which can mean a whirlpool or an abyss. This reflects the circular, swirling shape of the fabric.
- In Spanish, the word for 'lettuce' lechuga is used to describe many things with ruffled edges beyond clothing. This includes certain types of corals and plants.
- The term gorguera is the primary word used by historians to describe the elaborate neckwear seen in portraits of the Spanish Golden Age.
Examples in context
- Las hojas secas tienen una textura áspera al tacto.Dry leaves have a rough texture when touched.
- La superficie del papel de lija es rugosa.The surface of sandpaper is rough.
- Esa carretera está áspera como lija.That road is rough like sandpaper.
- Tienes las manos rasposas después de trabajar todo el día.You have rough hands after working all day.
- La lechuguilla de su vestido es muy blanca.The ruff of her dress is very white.
- Ese traje antiguo tiene una lechuguilla elegante.That antique suit has an elegant ruffle.
- Prefiero una lechuguilla más pequeña para este disfraz.I prefer a smaller ruff for this costume.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at an old painting in a museum.
- LucíaMira la lechuguilla que lleva el caballero.Look at the ruff the gentleman is wearing.
- JavierEs impresionante, es muy detallada.It is impressive, it is very detailed.
- LucíaParece una pieza de encaje muy delicada.It looks like a very delicate lace piece.
- JavierSí, es una obra de arte.Yes, it is a work of art.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ruff” translations and entries lechuguilla, gorguera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorguera, lechuguilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
