chico feo
/t͡ʃiko feo/from spelling rules
The phrase "ugly boy" in Spanish is chico feo.
This phrase is used to describe a boy who is not pleasant to look at. Note that the adjective feo (ugly) can also be used colloquially to describe an action or situation that is unpleasant or bad, such as in the expression un gesto feo (an ugly or bad gesture).
Which one should you use?
While chico feo is a general term for an ugly boy, using niño feo instead emphasizes that the subject is a young child rather than an older boy or adolescent. Additionally, the word feo can function as a description of appearance or a description of an unpleasant situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Spanish-speaking regions, such as Mexico or Central America, the word muchacho may sound more natural than chico when referring to a boy.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiko feo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a baby feo is sometimes used as a superstitious way to protect them from the 'evil eye'.
- The word chico may actually trace its roots back to the Yucatec Maya word chiʼik, suggesting a fascinating linguistic blend from the Americas.
- While feo describes appearance, Spanish speakers often use it to describe 'bad weather' as tiempo feo.
Examples in context
- Ese chico feo es de la película.That ugly boy is from the movie.
- No quiero jugar con ese chico feo.I do not want to play with that ugly boy.
- El dibujo muestra a un chico feo.The drawing shows an ugly boy.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a cartoon on TV.
- Javier¿Viste a ese chico feo?Did you see that ugly boy?
- ElenaSí, es muy gracioso.Yes, he is very funny.
- JavierEs un chico feo pero divertido.He is an ugly boy but funny.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, feo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
