víctima
/ˈbiɡtima/
The English word "underdog" is translated into Spanish as víctima.
The term refers to a competitor thought unlikely to win (noun).
Meaning: competitor thought unlikely to win (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbiɡtima/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of víctima originally referred to a person or animal used for ritual sacrifice.
- In many Spanish-speaking sports broadcasts, commentators prefer the phrase el tapado to describe an unexpected underdog who emerges from obscurity to win.
- If a Spanish speaker refers to someone as hacerse la víctima, they are accusing them of pretending to be the underdog to manipulate others.
Examples in context
- El equipo local es el desfavorecido en este torneo.The local team is the underdog in this tournament.
- La novela aborda la lucha del oprimido contra el sistema establecido.The novel tackles the underdog's fight against the established system.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are watching a sports match.
- Elena¿Quíen crees que va a ganar el partido?Who do you think is going to win the game?
- JavierCreo que la víctima tiene una oportunidad hoy.I think the underdog has a chance today.
- ElenaEs muy difícil vencer al equipo favorito.It is very difficult to beat the favorite team.
- JavierSí, pero me gusta cuando la víctima gana.Yes, but I like it when the underdog wins.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry víctima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries víctima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
