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

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/hɔˈsiko/

Translation Options into English

1. Snout
2. Muzzle
3. Snout (colloquial) - sometimes used to refer to a person's mouth or face.

Meaning and Usage

The word "hocico" primarily refers to the projecting parts of an animal’s face, including the snout of animals like pigs, dogs, and others. In colloquial contexts, it can be used figuratively to describe a person’s mouth or face, often in a pejorative sense. The term is more frequently encountered in oral speech than in written contexts, often used humorously or derogatorily.

Example Sentences

1. El perro tiene un hocico muy largo y húmedo.

2. The dog has a very long and wet snout.

3. No me hables así, no quiero que metas tu hocico en mis asuntos.

4. Don’t talk to me like that; I don’t want you to stick your snout into my affairs.

5. El hocico del cerdo es muy sensible.

6. The pig's snout is very sensitive.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Hocico" frequently appears in colloquial expressions in Spanish, often referring to having a big mouth or being nosy.

Example Expressions

1. Tener un hocico grande.
2. Meaning: To have a big mouth (to gossip).

3. Example: Ella tiene un hocico grande y siempre cuenta los secretos de los demás.

   • She has a big mouth and always tells other people's secrets.

4. Meter el hocico.

5. Meaning: To stick one’s snout in (to intrude or meddle).

6. Example: Siempre está metiendo el hocico en mis conversaciones.

   • He is always sticking his snout into my conversations.

7. Cerrar el hocico.

8. Meaning: To shut one's mouth.

9. Example: Si no tienes nada bueno que decir, mejor cierra el hocico.

   • If you don’t have anything good to say, it’s better to shut your mouth.

10. No le digas nada, tiene un hocico de oro.

11. Meaning: Don't tell him anything; he has a golden snout (he can't keep secrets).
12. Example: No le digas nada, tiene un hocico de oro y se lo contará a todos.
    • Don’t tell him anything; he has a golden snout and will tell everyone.

Etymology

The term "hocico" is derived from Vulgar Latin hōcīcum, which is a diminutive form of hōcus, meaning a "snout" or "feeding". It emphasizes the physical form that often relates to animals.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Muzzle

• Rostro (face, used more generally)

• Antonyms:

• Tapa (cover, in a very general sense, but doesn’t directly oppose "hocico")
• Silencio (silence, in the context of not talking or making noise)

In essence, "hocico" encapsulates both a literal anatomical reference and a cultural interpretation significant in Spanish-speaking regions. Its idiomatic uses reflect cultural attitudes toward gossip and privacy, making it a colorful addition to colloquial Spanish.