la vaca sagrada
Lemma Details
Translation: sacred cow; untouchable institution; something that cannot be criticized
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom is a direct calque from the English expression 'sacred cow', which itself derives from the Hindu veneration of cows as sacred animals. In both languages, it refers metaphorically to something or someone that is immune from criticism or questioning. The term entered Spanish from English cultural influence, preserving both the literal meaning ('la vaca' = 'the cow', 'sagrada' = 'sacred') and the figurative sense.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
En esta empresa, el departamento de ventas es una vaca sagrada que nadie se atreve a cuestionar.
In this company, the sales department is a sacred cow that nobody dares to question.
La monarquía sigue siendo una vaca sagrada en algunos países europeos.
The monarchy remains a sacred cow in some European countries.
Los críticos consideran que es hora de sacrificar algunas vacas sagradas de la industria cinematográfica.
Critics believe it's time to sacrifice some sacred cows of the film industry.
Mnemonics
- Think of a cow wearing a halo to remember this refers to something treated as untouchable or beyond criticism.
- Imagine trying to criticize a cow in India (where they're considered sacred) and being met with shock - just like when you criticize a 'sacred cow' institution.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in political, social, and organizational contexts to refer to institutions, traditions, or individuals that are considered beyond criticism. While the concept exists in both Spanish and English-speaking cultures, it's particularly relevant in discussions about entrenched power structures or traditions that resist change.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'la vaca sagrada' refers to an untouchable institution or person, 'la vaca loca' (mad cow) refers to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or is used colloquially to describe someone acting crazy.
This word:
La tradición familiar es una vaca sagrada para ellos.
Family tradition is a sacred cow for them.
Confused word:
Durante la crisis de la vaca loca, muchos dejaron de comer carne de res.
During the mad cow crisis, many people stopped eating beef.
Notes: Both expressions contain 'vaca' (cow) but have completely different meanings and connotations.
Mnemonic: 'Sagrada' (sacred) means respected and untouchable; 'loca' (mad/crazy) means diseased or acting erratically.