The word "mico" primarily refers to certain types of monkeys, particularly small or medium-sized primates in the New World (especially in Latin America). In a broader sense, it may colloquially refer to any monkey or primate. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to zoology, wildlife, and colloquial conversations when referencing monkeys.
The word "mico" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in Latin American countries where various species of marmosets and related primates are found.
El mico trepa rápidamente por los árboles del bosque.
The monkey climbs quickly among the trees of the forest.
En el zoológico, vimos un mico que hacía trucos divertidos.
At the zoo, we saw a monkey doing funny tricks.
A mi hermano le gusta mucho el mico de la película.
My brother really likes the monkey from the movie.
The word "mico" is also found in various idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language, especially in certain Latin American cultures. Here are some examples:
No quiero hacer el mico en frente de todos.
I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of everyone.
Más mico que hombre: Se usa para describir a un hombre que tiene actitudes muy afeminadas o que se comporta de manera poco masculina.
More monkey than man: This is used to describe a man with very effeminate attitudes or who behaves in a not-so-masculine way.
Siempre que habla de moda, es más mico que hombre.
Whenever he talks about fashion, he's more of a monkey than a man.
Dejarse llevar como un mico: Se refiere a seguir a otros sin cuestionar, como un mico que imita.
To be led on like a monkey: It refers to following others without questioning, like a monkey that imitates.
The word "mico" comes from the Portuguese "mico," which refers to a small monkey. The origin can be traced back to the indigenous Tupi language, where "mi'ku" means "monkey." This term was absorbed into Spanish likely due to contact during the colonization period in the Americas.