mariquita
/maɾikita/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for sissy is mariquita.
mariquita is used as a derogatory slang term for an effeminate man or a gay man. While the literal meaning is 'ladybug', it is used as a derogatory slang term.
Meaning: an effeminate boy or man (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term afeminado/a can be used to convey the idea of 'sissy' in a formal context.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾikita/
Did you know?
- The word marica is used in some Caribbean dialects as a filler word or a very informal way to address a friend, similar to 'dude' or 'man', though it remains risky.
- The word mariquita is a diminutive of marica, which is derived from the name María. It essentially translates to 'Little Mary'.
- In certain contexts, some members of the LGBTQ+ community in Spain have reclaimed mariquita to strip it of its power, much like the English word 'queer'.
Examples in context
- ¡Deja de llorar, no seas mariquita!Stop crying, don't be a sissy!
- No seas marica, atrévete a enfrentarloDon't be a sissy, dare to face it
- Ese chico es una mariquita.That boy is a sissy.
- No seas una mariquita y juega.Don't be a sissy and play.
- Lo llaman mariquita en la escuela.They call him a sissy at school.
Example conversation
Two teenagers are talking about a boy in their class.
- Elena¿Viste cómo camina ese chico?Did you see how that boy walks?
- AlejandroSí, es una mariquita.Yes, he is a sissy.
- ElenaAlejandro, no seas tan cruel.Alejandro, don't be so cruel.
- AlejandroSolo digo la verdad.I'm only telling the truth.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mariquita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
