Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/traxaˈperas/

Translation Options into English

• Slot machine
• Fruit machine

Meaning and Usage

"Tragaperras" refers to a type of gambling machine commonly found in casinos and gaming establishments. These machines usually have three or more reels that spin when a player pulls a lever or presses a button. Players insert money or tokens, and the objective is to line up matching symbols across the reels to win prizes.

In the Spanish language, "tragaperras" is often used in informal contexts related to gaming and gambling discussions. It has a frequency of use that leans towards everyday conversation, especially in social settings or when discussing gambling strategies. While it can be found in written contexts, such as news articles about casinos or gambling laws, it is more prevalent in oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. Ayer gané un premio grande en la tragaperras del casino.

2. Yesterday I won a big prize on the slot machine at the casino.

3. Siempre juego a la tragaperras cuando voy de vacaciones.

4. I always play the slot machine when I go on vacation.

5. Las tragaperras son muy populares en muchos bares.

6. Slot machines are very popular in many bars.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "tragaperras" is not as commonly used in idiomatic expressions compared to other words; however, there are a few phrases related to gambling culture.

1. "Jugar a las tragaperras"
2. To play the slot machines.

3. Siempre que tengo un rato libre, me gusta jugar a las tragaperras.
   (Whenever I have some free time, I like to play the slot machines.)

4. "Caer en la tragaperras"

5. To fall for the slot machine (to lose money or get addicted).

6. Es fácil caer en la tragaperras si no se tiene cuidado.
   (It’s easy to fall for the slot machine if one is not careful.)

7. "Con las tragaperras nunca se sabe"

8. With the slot machines, you never know.
9. Con las tragaperras nunca se sabe cuándo puedes ganar.
   (With the slot machines, you never know when you might win.)

Etymology

The word "tragaperras" comes from the combination of the Spanish words "traga" (to swallow) and "perras" (slang for money). This etymology reflects the machine's function of "swallowing" coins or money in exchange for the chance to win.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Máquinas tragamonedas - Máquinas de juegos

Antonyms: - Juegos de mesa (table games) - Apuestas deportivas (sports betting)