blanqueo de dinero
Lemma Details
Translation: money laundering; laundering of money
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: The term 'blanqueo de dinero' is a calque (literal translation) of the English term 'money laundering'. 'Blanqueo' comes from the verb 'blanquear' (to whiten or to make white), derived from 'blanco' (white), suggesting the process of making 'dirty' money appear clean or legitimate. 'Dinero' comes from Latin 'denarius', a Roman coin, and is related to English words like 'denarius' and 'dinar'. The metaphor of 'washing' or 'whitening' illegal money to make it appear legitimate is consistent across many languages.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 60%
Register: formal
Example Usage
El banco fue acusado de facilitar el blanqueo de dinero.
The bank was accused of facilitating money laundering.
Las autoridades investigan un caso de blanqueo de dinero relacionado con el narcotráfico.
The authorities are investigating a case of money laundering related to drug trafficking.
Hay nuevas leyes contra el blanqueo de dinero.
There are new laws against money laundering.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'blanqueo' as 'making white/clean' - criminals try to make their 'dirty' money look clean.
- Connect 'blanqueo' with 'bleach' in English - both make things white/clean.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This term is commonly used in legal, financial, and news contexts when discussing financial crimes. It's a significant concern in many Spanish-speaking countries where efforts to combat money laundering are ongoing through various regulatory frameworks.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'blanqueo de dinero' specifically refers to laundering money, 'blanqueo de capitales' is a broader term that can include the laundering of various assets and capital, not just cash.
Notes: In legal contexts, these terms may sometimes be used interchangeably, though 'blanqueo de capitales' is often preferred in formal legal documents.
Mnemonic: 'Dinero' is specifically money/cash, while 'capitales' includes broader forms of wealth and assets.
Explanation: While both are financial crimes, 'blanqueo de dinero' refers to making illegally obtained money appear legitimate, whereas 'evasión fiscal' refers to illegally avoiding paying taxes on legitimate income.
Notes: These crimes often occur together, as laundered money is frequently also undeclared for tax purposes.
Mnemonic: Laundering makes dirty money clean; evasion keeps clean money hidden from taxes.