Spanglish: Worst Uses of This Hybrid Language
As Spanish speakers learn English in the US, and generations who have grown up American try to hang on to their Latin roots, there's a murky middle that gets created between both languages we call "Spanglish". These are words and phrases borrowed from English and given a Spanish ending in order to force them into the language.
While to some it's just a way to get a point across, purists grimace at these fusions. It seems that, like it or not, this hybrid language is here to stay. Here are some of the greatest offenders and their correct Spanish counterparts:
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ENGLISH | WRONG SPANISH | CORRECT SPANISH |
to register | registrarse | inscribirse/matricularse |
parts (automobile) | partes | piezas |
apply (for a job) | aplicar | solicitar |
qualified (for a job) | cualificado, calificado | capacitado |
policy (in politics) | póliza | política |
insurance policy | seguro | póliza de seguros |
accident | colisión | choque/accidente |
commercials | comerciales | anuncios |
unons | unones | sindicatos, gremios |
library | librería | biblioteca |
running for | corriendo | postulándose |
correo electrónico | ||
gang | ganga | pandilla |
ticket | ticket | boleto/entrada |
lease | lisiar | arrendar/alquilar |
mortgage | mortgage | hipoteca |
bill | el bill | la cuenta/la factura |
call back | llamar para atrás | devolver la llamada |
carpet | carpeta | alfombra |
backyard | yarda | patio |
park | parquear | estacionar |
elevator | elevador | ascensor |
pick-up truck | troca | camioneta |
save (a document) | salvar | guardar |
print (a document) | printear | imprimir |
pipe (plumbing) | pipa | tubo |
roof | rufo | techo |
lunch | lonche | almuerzo |
market | marqueta | mercado |
to hang out | janguear | estar |
success | suceso | éxito |
Do you use any of these words or phrases in your everyday language? What are some of your Spanglish pet peeves? Share your experiences.