niño debilucho
/niɲo debilut͡ʃo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "wimpy kid" is translated into Spanish as niño debilucho.
The term debilucho carries a connotation of being physically or characteristically weak and is often used mockingly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of niño (boy/child) and debilucho (a diminutive/derogatory form of débil, meaning weak).
Which one should you use?
To refer to a girl, change the gender of both words to the feminine forms niña debilucha.
How do you pronounce it?
/niɲo debilutʃo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word niño and the English words 'nanny' and 'nana' likely share a common ancestor in the imitative sounds of infantile speech.
- While debilucho describes a lack of strength, Spanish speakers often use the word flojo to describe a 'wimpy' person, which literally translates to 'loose' or 'slack'.
- In certain regions, calling a child debilucho is used as a social tool to pressure them into conforming to more traditional, masculine gender roles.
Examples in context
- No seas un niño debilucho.Don't be a wimpy kid.
- Ese niño debilucho no quiere jugar fútbol.That wimpy kid doesn't want to play soccer.
- El profesor llamó a ese niño debilucho.The teacher called that wimpy kid.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a boy in their class.
- Javier¿Viste al nuevo alumno?Did you see the new student?
- ElenaSí, parece un niño debilucho.Yes, he seems like a wimpy kid.
- JavierTal vez solo es muy tímido.Maybe he is just very shy.
- ElenaPuede ser, pero se ve débil.Could be, but he looks weak.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries debilucho, niño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
