codo
Mexico, slang
Spanish slang has many words for a stingy person. In Mexico he is codo, in Spain and Argentina agarrado, in Argentina and Peru amarrete, and tacaño is understood everywhere.
Meaning: unwilling to spend (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| codo | Mexico, slang |
| Agarrado | Spain, Argentina, slang |
| Amarrete | Argentina, Peru, slang |
| Tacaño | common |
These words describe someone who hates spending money, especially when friends are splitting a bill.
Which one should you use?
Tacaño is the standard word and is neutral. The slang words sound more teasing and more personal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Codo is typical of Mexico and amarrete of the River Plate area and Peru.
Did you know?
- In Mexico codo literally means "elbow".
Examples in context
- No seas codo y paga la cena.Do not be stingy and pay for dinner.
- Mi tío es muy agarrado con la plata.My uncle is very stingy with money.
- Ese amarrete nunca invita.That cheapskate never treats anyone.
Example conversation
Tomás and Nico joke about a friend in Buenos Aires.
- Tomás¿Otra vez no puso plata Fede?Did Fede not chip in again?
- NicoNo, es un amarrete.No, he is a cheapskate.
- TomásY siempre se come lo mejor.And he always eats the best bits.
