estar de mala leche
Lemma Details
Translation: to be in a bad mood; to be grumpy; to be ill-tempered
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom combines 'estar' (to be) with 'de mala leche' (literally 'of bad milk'). The expression derives from the old belief that a person's temperament was influenced by bodily fluids or 'humors,' including mother's milk. In Spanish culture, 'leche' (milk) has long been associated with temperament and character. The quality of milk was thought to affect one's disposition, so 'mala leche' (bad milk) came to represent a bad temperament or ill humor.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 10%
Register: informal
Example Usage
¿Por qué estás de mala leche? ¿Ha pasado algo?
Why are you in a bad mood? Did something happen?
Mi jefe está de mala leche hoy, mejor no pedirle nada.
My boss is in a bad mood today, better not ask him for anything.
Perdona si estoy de mala leche, es que no he dormido bien.
Sorry if I'm grumpy, it's just that I haven't slept well.
Mnemonics
- Think of someone who drank 'bad milk' (mala leche) and got sick, making them grumpy and irritable.
- Imagine someone with a sour face after drinking spoiled milk - they're definitely 'de mala leche'!
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is widely used in Spain and some Latin American countries. It's a colloquial way to describe someone who is irritable or in a bad mood. The use of 'leche' in expressions is particularly common in Spanish from Spain, where milk-related idioms often relate to mood or character.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estar de mala leche' refers to a temporary state of being in a bad mood, 'tener mala leche' refers to having a mean or malicious character as a permanent trait.
This word:
Hoy estoy de mala leche porque me han multado.
I'm in a bad mood today because I got a fine.
Confused word:
Ese tipo tiene mala leche, siempre está buscando problemas.
That guy has a mean streak, he's always looking for trouble.
Notes: Both expressions use 'mala leche' but with different verbs that change the meaning significantly.
Mnemonic: 'Estar' (to be) is temporary, while 'tener' (to have) suggests a permanent characteristic.