cascanueces (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic transcription

[kas.kaˈnwe.ses]

Translation options

• Nutcracker

Meaning

General: "Cascanueces" is a compound word in Spanish formed by combining "cascar" (to crack) and "nueces" (nuts). This word refers to a tool or device used to crack open the shells of nuts. It is commonly made of metal and has two hinged levers that are squeezed together to break the nut's shell.

Zoology: "Cascanueces" can also refer to the bird species Nucifraga caryocatactes, which is commonly known in English as the Spotted Nutcracker. This bird is known for its habit of using a specific tree to open nuts in the fall.

Colloquial: In colloquial Spanish, "cascanueces" can be used metaphorically to refer to a person or thing that is overly serious, strict, or strict-minded.

It is used more frequently in written contexts, especially in its general and zoological senses.

Example Sentences

1. El cascanueces era el regalo favorito de Clara en la obra de ballet "El Cascanueces".

2. The nutcracker was Clara's favorite gift in the ballet "The Nutcracker".

3. Los pájaros cascanueces son conocidos por su habilidad para abrir nueces con sus picos.

4. Nutcracker birds are known for their ability to crack nuts open with their beaks.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "Ser un cascanueces"
• Meaning: To be a person who is overly strict or severe.
• Example: Maria es una cascanueces en la oficina; no deja pasar ni una broma. (Maria is a nutcracker at the office; she doesn't let any jokes slide.)
• "Tener cara de cascanueces"
• Meaning: To have a stern or unforgiving expression on one's face.
• Example: Después de una larga semana de trabajo, su jefe siempre tiene cara de cascanueces. (After a long week of work, her boss always has a stern expression.)

Etymology

The word "cascanueces" comes from the Spanish words "cascar" (to crack) and "nueces" (nuts), referring to its function of cracking open nutshells.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Descascarador, partidor de nueces
• Antonyms: Nuez (nut), abridor de latas (can opener)