Noun
/kalaˈβoθo/ (in Spain) or /kalaboso/ (in Latin America)
The term "calabozo" primarily refers to a jail cell or a small dungeon where prisoners are held. In general usage, it conveys the idea of confinement or a place for punishment. It is most often used in the context of criminal law, law enforcement, and military settings.
In terms of frequency of use, "calabozo" is more common in oral speech, especially in colloquial expressions, but it also appears in written legal or journalistic contexts.
No sé cuánto tiempo pasaré en el calabozo.
I don't know how long I will spend in the jail cell.
El prisionero fue llevado directamente al calabozo.
The prisoner was taken straight to the dungeon.
Después de la pelea, él terminó en el calabozo.
After the fight, he ended up in jail.
"Calabozo" is featured in various idiomatic expressions and colloquial sayings in Hispanic culture, often reflecting themes of imprisonment or confinement.
Después de la fiesta, Juan terminó en el calabozo por desorden público.
After the party, Juan ended up in jail for public disorder.
Sacar de un calabozo.
To get out of jail.
Necesitamos un abogado que pueda sacarlo de un calabozo.
We need a lawyer who can get him out of jail.
Volver al calabozo.
To go back to jail.
Si sigue así, va a volver al calabozo en poco tiempo.
If he keeps this up, he will be back in jail in no time.
No hay calabozo que dure cien años.
No dungeon lasts a hundred years. (Meaning that every situation is temporary.)
The word "calabozo" originates from the Andalusian Spanish term "calaboz" which means a small room or dungeon, possibly deriving from the Arabic "قَلَبَزُ" (qalabaz), which refers to a cellar or a dark place.
Overall, "calabozo" holds significant relevance within legal and military terminology in Spanish-speaking cultures and reflects a concept deeply embedded in the notions of justice and punishment.