dar calabazas (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "dar calabazas" is a colloquial verb phrase in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/dar ka.la.'βa.θas/ (Castilian Spanish) or /dar ka.la.'βa.sas/ (Mexican Spanish)

Translation Options into English

The phrase can be translated as: - "to reject someone" - "to turn someone down" - "to give someone the brush-off"

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "dar calabazas" is used in the context of romantic or social interactions to indicate that someone is being rejected or not reciprocated. It metaphorically suggests the idea of being given a "pumpkin," which in this context symbolizes disappointment.

Frequency of Use

The phrase is frequently used in informal oral speech rather than in written contexts. It is commonly heard in conversations, particularly among younger generations and in social situations.

Example Sentences

1. Ella le dio calabazas a su compañero de clase.
   "She turned down her classmate."

2. No puedo creer que me haya dado calabazas después de tanta química.
   "I can't believe she rejected me after all that chemistry."

3. Él siempre da calabazas a las chicas que le gustan.
   "He always brushes off the girls he likes."

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "dar calabazas" is frequently used in various idiomatic expressions that portray aspects of rejection or unrequited feelings.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. Si ella te está dando calabazas, es mejor que lo dejes por la paz.
   "If she is rejecting you, it's better to just leave it alone."

2. No me gusta que me den calabazas, prefiero que sean directos.
   "I don’t like being turned down; I prefer them to be straightforward."

3. Después de que me dieron calabazas, decidí concentrarme en mí mismo.
   "After I was rejected, I decided to focus on myself."

4. Aunque esperaba que ella dijera que sí, me dieron calabazas al final.
   "Although I was hoping she would say yes, I got turned down in the end."

5. Es doloroso dar calabazas a alguien que te ha mostrado tanto interés.
   "It's painful to reject someone who has shown you so much interest."

Etymology

The origin of the phrase "dar calabazas" is believed to relate to the cultural associations of pumpkins in folklore and colloquial expressions, where they symbolize something that is unworthy or disappointing. While the exact historical context is unclear, it reflects the use of food items in idioms to express complex social emotions.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Rechazar (to reject)
• Desestimar (to dismiss)
• Ignorar (to ignore)

Antonyms

• Aceptar (to accept)
• Recibir (to receive)
• Correspondencia (to reciprocate)

This comprehensive information encapsulates the usage, meaning, and nuances associated with the phrase "dar calabazas" in colloquial Mexican Spanish.