Vicks
/biɡɡs/from spelling rules
Vicks is the Spanish name for the brand of medicated vapor rubs and cough medicines.
When you need to specify the brand itself in a sentence, you might use the phrase Marca Vicks (Vicks brand) or Producto de la marca Vicks (Product of the Vicks brand).
How do you pronounce it?
/biɡɡs/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American homes, people apply Vicks to the soles of the feet and cover them with socks as a traditional remedy for coughing.
- In several Spanish-speaking regions, Vicks has transitioned from a proper noun to a generic trademark. This means people use the word to refer to any brand of medicated vapor rub, much like how English speakers use 'Kleenex' for any facial tissue.
- While Vicks is a proper noun, you will often hear speakers refer to it as el Vicks. This is because the speaker is mentally categorizing it as el ungüento (the ointment) or el remedio (the remedy).
Examples in context
- Ayer me apliqué Vicks Vaporub en el pecho para aliviar la tos.Yesterday, I applied Vicks Vaporub on my chest to relieve coughing.
- Si tienes resfriado, te recomiendo el Vaporub de Vicks, funciona de maravilla.If you have a cold, I recommend Vicks Vaporub, it works wonders.
- Necesito comprar un poco de Vicks.I need to buy some Vicks.
- ¿Tienes un poco de Vicks en casa?Do you have some Vicks at home?
- El Vicks me ayuda a dormir mejor.Vicks helps me sleep better.
Example conversation
Sofía is feeling sick and asks Alejandro for help.
- SofíaAlejandro, me duele mucho la garganta.Alejandro, my throat hurts a lot.
- AlejandroLo siento, Sofía. ¿Quieres un poco de Vicks?I'm sorry, Sofía. Do you want some Vicks?
- SofíaSí, por favor, eso me vendría bien.Yes, please, that would be good for me.
- AlejandroTe traigo el Vicks ahora mismo.I'll bring you the Vicks right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
