Cochino is primarily an adjective, although it can also function as a noun in certain contexts.
/kɔˈtʃino/
In Spanish, "cochino" typically refers to something that is dirty or filthy. It can describe physical cleanliness (e.g., a cochino lugar - a dirty place) or untidy behavior (e.g., una persona cochino - a person who is messy or behaves in a vulgar manner). It may also refer colloquially to someone who is greedy or indulgent in a negative sense (like a pig).
The frequency of use is quite high in oral speech owing to its vivid imagery and connotations. It is used commonly in everyday conversation and often appears in informal contexts.
El perro está cochino después de jugar en el barro.
(The dog is dirty after playing in the mud.)
No seas cochino y limpia tu habitación.
(Don't be a slob and clean your room.)
Ese restaurante es cochino; no volveré nunca.
(That restaurant is filthy; I will never go back.)
"cochino" is often used in colloquial idiomatic expressions that imply something negative or vulgar. Below are several examples:
"Estás como un cochino."
(You're as dirty as a pig.) - This is used to describe someone who is very dirty.
"Comer como un cochino."
(To eat like a pig.) - This implies someone eats excessively or messily.
"Ser un cochino."
(To be a filthy person.) - This often refers to someone who behaves inappropriately or does not maintain hygiene.
"Te ves cochino."
(You look dirty.) - A blunt way to tell someone they need to clean up.
"Es un cochino en la mesa."
(He's a pig at the table.) - Referring to someone who eats messily or greedily in public.
"Me siento cochino después de ese almuerzo."
(I feel filthy after that lunch.) - Used when one overeats or indulges in unhealthy food.
The word "cochino" originates from the Latin word "cochinus," which means "pig." Its usage has evolved to refer to either a literal "dirty pig" or, more metaphorically, a person who is dirty-minded or behaves in a careless manner, reflecting the unpleasant characteristics associated with pigs.
Synonyms: - Sucio (dirty) - Asqueroso (disgusting) - Mugriento (grimy)
Antonyms: - Limpio (clean) - Ordenado (neat) - Pulcro (tidy)
In summary, "cochino" is a versatile term in Spanish that can be used both literally and figuratively to describe dirtiness in various contexts, whether pertaining to hygiene or behavior. Its prevalence in idiomatic expressions emphasizes its vivid imagery and emotional weight in conversations.