The word "borrico" refers primarily to a male donkey in a general sense. In colloquial Spanish, it can also be used to describe someone who is foolish or silly. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, though its idiomatic uses may be more prevalent in spoken language.
El borrico de mi vecino siempre se asusta con los coches.
The donkey of my neighbor always gets scared by cars.
No seas borrico y escucha lo que te digo.
Don't be a fool and listen to what I'm telling you.
El borrico fue un buen transporte en la granja.
The donkey was a good mode of transport on the farm.
Though the word "borrico" isn't extremely common in idioms compared to some other terms, it can appear in colloquial expressions. Here are some instances:
“No hagas el borrico.”
“Don't act foolishly.”
“Te crees muy listo, pero a veces pareces un borrico.”
“You think you're very smart, but sometimes you look like a fool.”
“Eres más borrico que un burro.”
“You are more foolish than a donkey.”
“Deja de hacer el borrico y concéntrate en el trabajo.”
“Stop being foolish and focus on the work.”
“Ese chico es un borrico; no entiende nada.”
“That boy is a fool; he understands nothing.”
The term "borrico" originates from the Latin word "burricus," which is a diminutive of "burro," meaning a donkey. The use of "borrico" to describe someone foolish also stems from the donkey's traditional association with stubbornness and lack of intelligence.
tonto (in the context of calling someone a fool)
Antonyms: