con segundas
/kon seɡundas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tongue in cheek" can be translated into Spanish as con segundas.
con segundas is used to indicate that a statement should not be taken at face value and contains irony or sarcasm.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase con segundas literally translates to "with second ones", implying there is a second, hidden meaning behind the words spoken.
Did you know?
- While con segundas implies a hidden meaning, Spanish speakers often use the verb tirar meaning 'to throw' to describe the act of making such a comment, as in tirar una pulla.
- In Mexico, the concept of segundas is tied to a cultural love for doble sentido. This is a specific style of humor based on double entendres and wordplay.
- Unlike the English 'tongue in cheek' which is often a modifier for a statement, con segundas can be used as a direct accusation, such as asking ¿lo dices con segundas? to challenge a speaker's hidden motive.
Examples in context
- El discurso del político estuvo lleno de comentarios con sornaThe politician's speech was filled with tongue in cheek remarks
- Lo que dijo sobre eso fue en tono de bromaWhat he said about that was tongue in cheek
- Dijo ese comentario con segundas.He made that comment tongue in cheek.
- No te lo tomes en serio, lo dijo con segundas.Don't take it seriously, he said it tongue in cheek.
- Su broma siempre es con segundas.His joke is always tongue in cheek.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a sarcastic remark made by a friend.
- María¿Crees que Juan estaba hablando en serio?Do you think Juan was being serious?
- MateoNo, lo dijo con segundas.No, he said it tongue in cheek.
- MaríaAh, ya entiendo, era una broma.Ah, I see, it was a joke.
- MateoExacto, no le prestes atención.Exactly, don't pay any attention to it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
