vaquero
Lemma Details
Translation: cowboy; cowhand; cowherd; cattle herder
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Spanish 'vaca' (cow) + the suffix '-ero' (indicating occupation or profession). The English word 'buckaroo' is actually derived from 'vaquero', showing how Spanish cattle-herding traditions influenced American cowboy culture. The term originated in medieval Spain where cattle herding was an important occupation, and was later brought to the Americas during Spanish colonization.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los vaqueros reúnen el ganado al atardecer.
The cowboys gather the cattle at sunset.
Mi abuelo fue vaquero toda su vida.
My grandfather was a cowboy all his life.
Lleva botas de vaquero y un sombrero.
He wears cowboy boots and a hat.
La cultura vaquera es importante en el norte de México.
Cowboy culture is important in northern Mexico.
Mnemonics
- Think 'vaca' (cow) + '-ero' (person who works with) = person who works with cows
- Remember that 'buckaroo' in English comes from 'vaquero'
- Visualize a person on horseback (vaquero) herding 'vacas' (cows)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially Mexico and parts of South America, vaqueros have a rich cultural tradition that predates the American cowboy. The vaquero tradition heavily influenced American cowboy culture, including techniques, equipment, and terminology. In modern usage, the term can also refer to cowboy-style clothing or fashion.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'vaquero' means 'cowboy', 'vaqueros' can refer to both the plural form of cowboy AND a colloquial term for jeans or denim pants in some Spanish-speaking regions.
Notes: This dual meaning reflects how cowboy culture influenced fashion, as denim jeans were traditionally associated with cowboys.
Mnemonic: Remember: one vaquero wears vaqueros (jeans).
Explanation: Similar spelling but completely different meaning. 'Barquero' means 'boatman' or 'ferryman' (from 'barco' meaning 'boat').
This word:
El vaquero cuida el ganado en el rancho.
The cowboy takes care of the cattle on the ranch.
Confused word:
El barquero nos llevó a la otra orilla del río.
The boatman took us to the other side of the river.
Notes: Just one letter difference changes the meaning completely from land to water occupations.
Mnemonic: V for Vaca (cow) = Vaquero works with cows; B for Barco (boat) = Barquero works with boats.