¡menuda parada!
In Spanish, "what a save!" is expressed as ¡menuda parada!
This phrase is used primarily in sports commentary or by spectators to express excitement at a goalkeeper's successful intervention.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase menuda parada, menuda functions as an intensifier meaning "what a…" or "quite a…", while parada means "stop" or "save".
Which one should you use?
While ¡menuda parada! is a standard way to express this, ¡qué parada! is a common alternative that uses the standard exclamation structure "qué + noun".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, ¡Qué parada tan chingona! means "What a badass save!" In Argentina, ¡Qué atajadón! means "What a huge save!"
How does it change in a sentence?
Because parada is a feminine noun, the intensifier menudo must change to the feminine form menuda to agree with it.
Did you know?
- The word menuda in this context is actually a linguistic reversal of its common meaning. While it usually means 'tiny' or 'small', here it functions as an intensifier to mean 'huge' or 'incredible'.
- While parada means 'save' in sports, it is also the common word for a 'bus stop' in Spanish.
- The word menuda comes from the same root as 'minute' and 'minutiae', originally referring to something small or finely divided.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué parada tan impresionante del portero!What an impressive save by the goalkeeper!
- ¡Vaya salvada tan alucinante! Eso fue increíble.What an amazing rescue! That was unbelievable.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are watching a football match on television.
- Elena¡Menuda parada!What a save!
- MateoEs increíble lo que ha hecho.What he did is incredible.
- ElenaHa salvado el partido, Mateo.He has saved the match, Mateo.
- MateoTiene unos reflejos asombrosos.He has amazing reflexes.
