Verb.
/pataˈlear/
The verb "patalear" refers to the action of kicking or stamping, often with a sense of impatience or frustration. It is commonly used in contexts where someone expresses annoyance, typically by striking the ground with their feet. Frequency of use is moderate; it is more often found in oral speech than in written context, especially in informal conversations.
Los niños empezaron a patalear cuando les dijeron que no podían jugar más.
(The children started to kick and stamp their feet when they were told they could not play anymore.)
Ella suele patalear cuando no obtiene lo que quiere.
(She tends to stamp her feet when she doesn't get what she wants.)
El perro comenzó a patalear cuando vio que lo estaban ignorando.
(The dog began to kick and stamp his feet when he saw that he was being ignored.)
Although "patalear" is not a widely known term in specific idiomatic expressions, its usage can imply a person acting out their frustrations. Here are some expressions and sentences using "patalear":
Si sigues pataleando, no lograrás que te compren el juguete.
(If you keep kicking and stamping your feet, you won’t get them to buy you the toy.)
Los manifestantes comenzaron a patalear frente al Palacio Nacional en señal de protesta.
(Protesters began to stomp their feet in front of the National Palace as a sign of protest.)
Siempre que no le prestan atención, mi gato patalea sobre el suelo.
(Whenever he is not given attention, my cat stamps his feet on the floor.)
La niña pataleó de alegría cuando su cumpleaños fue celebrado.
(The girl kicked and stamped her feet in joy when her birthday was celebrated.)
The word "patalear" comes from "pata," which means "paw" or "foot" in Spanish, combined with the verb suffix "-lear," which indicates an action. This combination suggests an action performed by the feet, representative of a physical, often negative response.
Synonyms: - Golpear (to hit) - Patada (to kick) - Abarcar (to cover, in the sense of stamping)
Antonyms: - Calmar (to calm) - Reprimir (to suppress) - Aceptar (to accept)