The word mazo is a noun.
/mˈa.θo/ (in most of Spain) or /mˈa.so/ (in Argentina and other Latin American countries)
In Spanish, mazo primarily refers to a heavy tool with a large head, commonly known as a hammer. It can also refer to a mallet used in various activities, such as carpentry or playing certain games. Additionally, in the context of playing cards, mazo is used to describe a pack of cards.
In Argentina, mazo is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in carpentry, construction, or games involving cards.
Voy a usar un mazo para clavar los clavos.
"I am going to use a hammer to drive in the nails."
El mazo de cartas está sobre la mesa.
"The pack of cards is on the table."
Necesito un mazo para jugar a la petanca.
"I need a mallet to play pétanque."
While mazo does not have many established idiomatic expressions, its usage in some phrases can be noted:
Bajo el mazo: Refers to being under severe pressure or control.
"Ella estaba bajo el mazo del jefe."
"She was under the boss's hammer."
Darle mazo a algo: To hit something heavily or to do something vigorously.
"Tiene que darle mazo al trabajo para terminarlo a tiempo."
"You have to hit the work hard to finish it on time."
Mazo de asnos: A term used to describe someone who is clumsy or foolish.
"No seas un mazo de asnos, piensa antes de actuar."
"Don't be a mazo de asnos, think before you act."
The word mazo has its roots in the Latin word mānsu, which is the diminutive form of mānsu, -ūris meaning "heavy tool". The connection to tools and instruments is consistent throughout its evolution into modern Spanish.
Synonyms: - Martillo (hammer) - Mazo de goma (rubber mallet)
Antonyms: - No direct antonyms; however, one could consider light tools in contrast, such as a "destornillador" (screwdriver).
By understanding the multifaceted use of mazo in both literal and idiomatic contexts, we appreciate its significance in everyday Spanish, especially within Argentina.