Jorobado is primarily used as an adjective in Spanish. It can also function as a noun when referring to a person with a hump.
/joɾoˈβaðo/
The word jorobado refers to someone who has a hump or a pronounced curvature of the spine, often associated with a medical condition called kyphosis. In the Spanish language, it is somewhat pejorative when referring to individuals and may call to mind images of characters in literature or folklore, like Quasimodo from Victor Hugo’s "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame."
Its usage is relatively common in both oral and written contexts, although it might be deemed sensitive or offensive depending on the context and the audience.
The hunchbacked man walked slowly through the city streets.
Los cuentos de antaño a menudo presentan personajes jorobados como villanos.
Old tales often feature hunchbacked characters as villains.
Su figura jorobada hacía que la gente lo mirara con curiosidad.
In Spanish, the term jorobado doesn’t commonly feature in idiomatic expressions per se, but it can be used metaphorically. Here are several examples incorporating the term:
To be in a difficult or awkward position in a tight place.
Jorobado de la suerte.
That person has always been the unlucky one in their family.
No se puede juzgar a un libro por su jorobado.
The term jorobado comes from the Spanish verb jorobar, which is derived from the Latin corbatus, meaning "humped" or "crooked." The use of the word has evolved to describe both the physical condition and the cultural representations of individuals with such traits.
Synonyms: - Encorvado (curved) - Hunchback (in English)
Antonyms: - Derecho (straight) - Erguido (upright)
In conclusion, jorobado carries significant cultural implications in Spanish-speaking contexts, spanning both physical attributes and metaphorical meanings. Its sensitivity as a descriptor should be considered when used in conversation or writing.