"Mochuelo" is a noun.
/motʃuˈelo/
In zoology, mochuelo refers to several species of small owls belonging to the genus Athene, particularly Athene noctua, commonly known as the Eurasian scops owl.
Colloquially, the term can be used to describe a person who is considered slow-witted or foolish, akin to calling someone a "dunce" in English.
The frequency of usage for mochuelo is moderate, and it tends to be found more often in oral speech, especially in colloquial contexts. However, it can also appear in written contexts, particularly in literature that involves animals or folk expressions.
El mochuelo se posó en la rama de un árbol y empezó a ulular.
The little owl perched on a branch of a tree and began to hoot.
No seas mochuelo, presta atención a la clase.
Don't be a dunce, pay attention in class.
El mochuelo es conocido por su característico canto nocturno.
The little owl is known for its distinctive nocturnal call.
While mochuelo is not commonly featured in fixed idiomatic expressions, it can be used in figurative expressions reflecting its meanings:
"Tener cara de mochuelo"
To have a dunce's face - This expression indicates a person who looks confused or clueless.
Translation: He looked so lost that he had the face of a dunce.
"No seas mochuelo en la reunión"
Don't be a dunce in the meeting - Used to tell someone not to act foolishly in a serious situation.
Translation: Make sure to contribute and don’t be a dunce in the meeting.
"El que actúa como mochuelo siempre se queda atrás."
He who acts like a dunce always falls behind.
Translation: Those who are foolish always fall behind in life.
The term "mochuelo" comes from the Spanish word mocho, which means "docked" or "cut off," referring to the owl's ear tufts that may seem less pronounced. This term can be traced back to Latin mūcus, meaning "to be invulnerable," possibly relating to the creature's silent flight or nocturnal habits.
Synonyms: - Búho (owl) - Buho común (common owl)
Antonyms: - Sabio (wise) - in the colloquial sense of referring to someone knowledgeable or clever.