plata o plomo
/plata o plomo/from spelling rules
The phrase "silver or lead" in Spanish is plata o plomo.
This phrase is used to present a choice between corruption (taking a bribe) and death (being shot). In this context, the word plata is used metaphorically to refer to money or wealth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of plata, the conjunction o (or) and plomo, which literally means "lead", referring to the metal used in bullets.
How do you pronounce it?
/plata o plomo/
When do people say it?
The phrase is famously associated with the narco-culture and the violent ultimatums used by drug cartels in Latin America.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Los cables de plomo son tóxicos.Lead cables are toxic.
- Es simple: plata o plomo.It is simple: silver or lead.
- Tienes que elegir, plata o plomo.You have to choose, silver or lead.
Example conversation
A tense confrontation in a dark alley.
- LucíaDime qué vas a hacer, Mateo.Tell me what you are going to do, Mateo.
- MateoSolo quiero evitar problemas.I only want to avoid trouble.
- LucíaEntonces elige ya: plata o plomo.Then choose now: silver or lead.
- MateoEstá bien, te daré el dinero.Fine, I will give you the money.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries o, plata, plata o plomo, plomo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
