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Glossary of Spanish Words

Here’s a translation of the main Spanish words and phrases you will find in the book!

amor prohibido
forbidden love

ajo (aho)
garlic

baboso
idiot

bandarra
bugger

buen/ bueno
good

bulerías
Andalusian song with clapping and dancing

cabrón
bastard!

caca (kaka)
shit

cal
lime

campo
countryside

chicle
chewing gum

coño (konyo)
literally cunt (BUT a general exclamation, fairly mild)

cojones (kohones)
balls, testicles

cucuracha
cockroach

Dios (dyos, one syllable)
God

duro
five pesetas

estupendo
great, wonderful

gracias
thanks

gracias a Dios
thanks to God

guapo
handsome, pretty

hombre
man

horchata (de chufa)
tiger-nut milk

hostia!
Damn it! (Literally a communion wafer)

magnifico
wonderful, magnificent

mierda
shit

mili
military service

nada
nothing

novio/a
boyfriend/girlfriend

por Dios
by God

preservativo
condom

puto
mild swear word, blasted, bloody

salón recreativo
games room (pinball machines etc)

señor (senyor)
gentleman, Lord

sierra
mountain range

sombrero Cordobés
flat black hat

tapas
tasty snacks served in bars

tonto
fool

tranquilo (trankeelo)
calm

vale
all right, okay

vaya! (starts like vi in violet)
Well/ I say!

viva yo!
No English equivalent – literally, I’m alive!