Which one should you use?
The term eres un empollón specifically carries the connotation of someone who is obsessed with books and studying, rather than just someone with niche interests.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to be more playful and less derogatory, you can use the informal phrase eres un cerebrito, which translates to "you are a little brainy/smartypants". Additionally, eres un/a friki/geek is an informal way to address someone as a nerd.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, the English loanword is used directly in casual conversation as eres un nerd. In Mexico, eres un matado is a common colloquial way to describe someone who is a grind or a studious person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes gender to match the subject: use eres una empollona if addressing a female.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾes un empoʝon/
Did you know?
- The word empollón comes from empollar, which means to hatch or brood over eggs. It compares a studious person to a hen sitting on eggs for a long time.
- The word friki is a Spanish adaptation of the English word 'freaky' but has evolved to mean 'geek' or 'nerd' in a way that is often a badge of honor.
- While 'nerd' in English often implies social awkwardness, the Mexican slang matado implies someone who 'kills' themselves with work or studying.
Examples in context
- ¡Eres un friki de los videojuegos!You're such a gaming geek!
- ¡Y tú eres un empollón de la historia!And you're a history nerd!
- No seas tan pesado, eres un empollón.Don't be so annoying, you are a nerd.
- Siempre sacas buenas notas porque eres un empollón.You always get good grades because you are a nerd.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about an upcoming exam.
- JavierHe pasado todo el fin de semana leyendo.I spent the whole weekend reading.
- LucíaVaya, Javier, eres un empollón.Wow, Javier, you're a nerd.
- JavierSolo quiero sacar una buena nota.I just want to get a good grade.
- LucíaEstá bien, pero descansa un poco.That's fine, but rest a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
