pobretón
Lemma Details
Translation: very poor; dirt poor; poverty-stricken; penniless
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from 'pobre' (poor) with the augmentative suffix '-tón', which intensifies the meaning. The root 'pobre' comes from Latin 'pauper' (poor), which is also the source of English 'poverty', 'pauper', and 'impoverished'. The augmentative suffix '-tón' emphasizes the severity of the poverty, making it more expressive than the basic form 'pobre'.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: informal
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pobre' (poor) + '-tón' (big) = 'really poor'
- Remember it as 'poverty-ton' – a ton of poverty
- Connect it with 'pauper' in English but with extra emphasis
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'pobretón' often carries a tone of pity or sympathy rather than just describing economic status. It can be used affectionately in some contexts, though it can also be perceived as condescending. The term appears frequently in literature and media when depicting class differences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Pobretón' is an augmentative form of 'pobre', conveying a more extreme state of poverty or adding emotional emphasis. 'Pobre' is neutral and simply means 'poor'.
Confused word:
Es un hombre pobre pero honrado.
He's a poor but honest man.
Notes: The suffix '-tón' adds emotional weight and can sometimes make the term more colloquial or slightly pejorative depending on context.
Mnemonic: 'Pobretón' has the extra '-tón' = extra poor
Explanation: This is simply the same word written without the accent mark. In proper Spanish, 'pobretón' should always have the accent on the final syllable.
Confused word:
El pobreton no podía pagar la renta. (incorrect spelling)
The penniless man couldn't pay the rent.
Notes: Always include the accent mark for correct spelling and pronunciation.
Mnemonic: Remember the accent: pobretÓN emphasizes the final syllable