Adjective
/retorˈθiðo/ (in Spain) or /retorˈsido/ (in Latin America)
"Retorcido" primarily describes something that is physically twisted or bent. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to ideas, reasoning, or behavior that is complex, convoluted, or morally questionable. In Spanish, it is commonly used in both oral and written contexts. However, it may appear more frequently in literary or formal language when describing complex situations or thoughts.
The term is used moderately in everyday conversation but may be more prevalent in literary contexts, formal discussions, or analytical descriptions.
The road to the mountain is very twisted and hard to follow.
Su explicación fue tan retorcida que nadie pudo entenderla.
His explanation was so convoluted that no one could understand it.
Tiene un sentido del humor muy retorcido.
"Retorcido" is not overly common in fixed idiomatic expressions. However, it can be used in various phrases and contexts that express complexity or moral ambiguity.
Justice sometimes becomes twisted in complicated cases.
Es retorcido pensar que el dolor puede traer felicidad.
It is twisted to think that pain can bring happiness.
No me gusta su humor retorcido en situaciones serias.
I don't like his twisted humor in serious situations.
La mente humana puede ser retorcida en su forma de justificar acciones.
"Retorcido" comes from the verb "retorcer," which means "to twist." The root is derived from Latin "retorquere," where "re-" indicates repetition or emphasis and "torquere" means "to twist."