tete
/ˈtete/
tete is the Spanish term used as a nickname or a term of endearment for a breast.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtete/
Did you know?
- The phrase dar la teta is used not just for breastfeeding, but colloquially in some areas to mean providing someone with an easy or privileged advantage.
- The word tete has a surprising linguistic connection to the Catalan word xiquet, which actually means 'boy'.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, particularly when referring to children, tete is used to refer to a pacifier or dummy.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking after their baby.
- MateoCreo que el bebé tiene hambre.I think the baby is hungry.
- MaríaSí, ya quiere su tete.Yes, he wants his breast already.
- Mateo¿Quieres que lo sostenga yo?Do you want me to hold him?
- MaríaNo, gracias, María lo tiene.No, thanks, María has him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
