agarrón
Lemma Details
Translation: grab; grasp; clutch; grip; tug; scuffle; fight
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Spanish verb 'agarrar' (to grab, to seize) with the augmentative suffix '-ón', which intensifies the meaning. 'Agarrar' comes from the Old Spanish 'garrar' (to grasp), which originated from the Gothic word 'garwa' (preparation). The augmentative suffix '-ón' emphasizes the forceful or intense nature of the grab or fight.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 20%
Register: informal
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a-GARR-ón' as sounding like 'a GRAB on' to remember it means a forceful grab or grip.
- The '-ón' ending makes it sound bigger and more forceful, like a big, strong grab.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Latin American Spanish, particularly in Mexico and Central America, 'agarrón' often refers to a physical fight or heated argument. In some contexts, it can have sexual connotations, referring to groping or inappropriate touching.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'agarrón' is more intense and can refer to a fight or scuffle, 'agarre' is simply the act of gripping or grasping something, without the connotation of force or conflict.
Confused word:
Necesitas un buen agarre para levantar esa caja.
You need a good grip to lift that box.
Notes: The augmentative suffix '-ón' in Spanish often indicates something larger, more intense, or more forceful.
Mnemonic: 'Agarrón' has the '-ón' ending which makes it bigger and more intense than the neutral 'agarre'.
Explanation: 'Agarrón' is a noun referring to the act of grabbing forcefully or a fight, while 'agarrado' is the past participle of 'agarrar' meaning 'grabbed' or can be used as an adjective meaning 'stingy' or 'tight-fisted'.
Notes: 'Agarrado' as an adjective meaning 'stingy' is common in colloquial Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Agarrón' is the action (noun), while 'agarrado' describes someone who has been grabbed or who grabs onto their money too tightly (stingy).