The term "cuadrilla" refers to a group or crew of people who typically work together, often in a specific task or trade. It can carry different connotations depending on the context—ranging from a work crew in construction to a group of people involved in criminal activities. In general, it is used more frequently in spoken contexts but can also appear in written forms, especially in reports or narratives describing collective actions.
The term is relatively common in various Spanish-speaking regions and is understood across different contexts, although its specific connotation can vary significantly based on regional dialects.
La cuadrilla de trabajadores terminó el proyecto a tiempo.
(The work crew finished the project on time.)
La policía detuvo a una cuadrilla de ladrones en la zona.
(The police arrested a gang of thieves in the area.)
La cuadrilla de rescate logró salvar a las personas atrapadas.
(The rescue squad managed to save the trapped individuals.)
"Cuadrilla" is often used in various idiomatic expressions, primarily in relation to groups working together or in gangs. Here are some examples:
Estar en buena cuadrilla — Estar en buena compañía o con buenos amigos.
(To be in good company or with good friends.)
Hacer cuadrilla — Formar un grupo para llevar a cabo una tarea o acción.
(To form a group to carry out a task or action.)
Cuadrilla de locos — Un grupo de personas consideradas excéntricas o alocadas.
(A group of people considered eccentric or crazy.)
Ir de cuadrilla — Salir con amigos o en grupo.
(To go out with friends or in a group.)
Siempre me gusta estar en buena cuadrilla cuando salgo a divertirme.
(I always like being in good company when I go out to have fun.)
En nuestro trabajo, hacemos cuadrilla para terminar los proyectos rápidamente.
(In our work, we form a crew to finish projects quickly.)
No puedo creer que se juntara con esa cuadrilla de locos.
(I can't believe he hung out with that crazy group of people.)
El sábado vamos de cuadrilla a la playa, ¿quieres unirte?
(On Saturday we are going to the beach as a group, do you want to join?)
The word "cuadrilla" derives from the Spanish word "cuadra," which means a square, reflecting the notion of a group or formation. This word can be traced back to Latin "quadrata," from "quadrus," meaning square. The term has evolved to encompass various meanings related to groups or teams.
Synonyms - Grupo (group) - Banda (band) - Junta (assembly)
Antonyms - Individuo (individual) - Soledad (solitude) - Aislamiento (isolation)