Which one should you use?
The choice of word changes the nuance of the command. Chismoso is often used for someone who talks too much about other people's business, while soplón specifically implies informing on someone to an authority figure. For example, using deja de ser un soplón specifically targets the act of being an informant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more aggressive or use slang, you can use deja de ser un soplón, which specifically targets a "snitch" or informant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have specific expressions for this: in Mexico, you can say No seas sapo (literally "don't be a toad") and in Argentina, you can say No seas buchón (meaning "don't be a squealer").
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use deja de ser chismosa if the person you are talking to is female. To address a group of people, use the plural form dejen de ser chismosos.
When do people say it?
Depending on the situation, you might use different phrases to imply the same sentiment. You might say No te hagas el soplón to tell someone not to act like an informer, or No digas nada to simply tell them "don't say anything" in an attempt to keep a secret.
Did you know?
- The Argentine term buchón comes from buche, which refers to the crop or throat-pouch of a bird. It implies that the snitch has 'filled their throat' with secrets to spill them.
- In some regions, the act of snitching is referred to as cantar, which means 'to sing'. This is similar to the English slang 'singing' to the police.
- In Mexico, calling someone a sapo is not a compliment about their skin, but a way to call them a snitch because toads are seen as creatures that 'pop up' or 'spit out' information.
Examples in context
- Él siempre cuenta todo, deja de ser chismoso.He always tells everything, stop snitching.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a prank at school.
- MateoElena, ya le conté todo al profesor.Elena, I already told the teacher everything.
- Elena¡Mateo, deja de ser chismoso!Mateo, stop snitching!
- MateoNo pude evitarlo, fue un accidente.I couldn't help it, it was an accident.
- ElenaAhora estamos en problemas por tu culpa.Now we are in trouble because of you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
