Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| viscoso | /bisˈkoso/ |
| baboso | /baˈboso/ |
| pegajoso | /peɡaˈxoso/ |
| gelatinoso | /xelatiˈnoso/ |
The choice of word for 'slimy' depends on whether you are describing a scientific consistency, a mucus-like texture or a sticky sensation.
Which one should you use?
viscoso is used for substances with a thick, viscous consistency, often in a more scientific or neutral context. baboso specifically refers to a texture like mucus or saliva and can also be used to describe a person who is 'slimy' or sycophantic. pegajoso is used when the 'sliminess' implies a sticky or tacky texture that adheres to surfaces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective viscoso must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to viscosa for feminine nouns. The adjective viscoso must agree in number with the noun it modifies, changing to viscosos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/bisˈkoso/
Did you know?
- The word viscoso is derived from the Latin viscum, which was the name for a sticky mistletoe used in antiquity to trap birds.
- While pegajoso is the most common way to say 'sticky', it is also the word used to describe a 'clingy' person in a relationship. A person who won't leave you alone might be called una persona pegajosa.
- While baboso describes a physical slime, calling a person baboso in some Spanish-speaking countries can mean they are foolish or a 'dummy' rather than just sycophantic.
Examples in context
- Los sapos son babosos.Frogs are slimy.This sentence uses baboso to describe the texture of frogs.Tatoeba #11394292 by Masatami, translation #11394134 by ddnktr
- Había algo verde y pegajoso encima de la roca.Something green and slimy was on the rock.This sentence uses pegajoso to describe something on a rock.Tatoeba #5566407 by swyter, translation #3170690 by CK
- Esa textura babosa te puede hacer resbalar.That slimy texture could make you slip.
- No me gusta tocar cosas pegajosas.I don't like touching slimy things.
- El fondo de la piscina está muy viscoso.The bottom of the pool is very slimy.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are exploring a tide pool at the beach.
- SofíaMira este animal, es muy viscoso.Look at this animal, it is very slimy.
- JavierNo lo toques, Sofía.Don't touch it, Sofía.
- SofíaYa lo toqué y se siente viscoso.I already touched it and it feels slimy.
- JavierLávate las manos ahora mismo, Javier.Wash your hands right now, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slimy” translations and entries viscoso, baboso, pegajoso, gelatinoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baboso, gelatinoso, viscoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
