mala mirada
/mala miɾada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stink eye" is translated into Spanish as mala mirada.
The phrase mala mirada is used to describe a look of disapproval, suspicion or hostility.
How do you pronounce it?
/mala miɾada/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, giving a mala mirada is linked to the belief in mal de ojo, or the 'evil eye', which is thought to cause misfortune or illness through a look of envy.
- The word mala in this expression shares its history with the French word for a large suitcase, malle, tracing back to a Germanic word for a leather bag.
- To describe a stink eye that is specifically haughty or arrogant, speakers use mirada altanera, which literally suggests looking down on someone from a great height.
Examples in context
- La vecina me lanzó una mirada de odio cuando estacioné mal mi coche frente a su casa.The neighbor gave me a stink eye when I parked my car incorrectly in front of her house.
- Cuando entré tarde a la reunión, mi jefe me lanzó una mirada fulminante.When I arrived late to the meeting, my boss gave me a deadly glare.
- Me lanzó una mala mirada.He gave me the stink eye.
- No me des esa mala mirada.Don't give me that stink eye.
- Su mala mirada me puso nervioso.His stink eye made me nervous.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are at a cafe and Mateo is staring at someone.
- María¿Por qué le haces esa mala mirada?Why are you giving him the stink eye?
- MateoEs que me molesta su actitud.It is just that his attitude bothers me.
- MaríaNo seas tan rudo, Mateo.Don't be so rude, Mateo.
- MateoLo siento, trataré de controlarme.I am sorry, I will try to control myself.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mala, mirada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
