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

e-mail

e-mail

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.


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