gallinazo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Regional (Latin America), Technical (Zoology), Literary/Figurative
Quick answer
What does “gallinazo” mean?
A term for a vulture, specifically the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), native to the Americas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term for a vulture, specifically the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), native to the Americas.
The word can refer to a buzzard or other carrion bird in some Latin American Spanish dialects and is used figuratively for a predatory, greedy, or contemptible person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the word is equally rare and specialized in both varieties of English.
Connotations
Evokes exoticism, specific zoological reference, or literary flair. In figurative use, conveys strong negativity.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “gallinazo” in a Sentence
[The gallinazo] [scavenged] [the carcass].He was called [a gallinazo] for his ruthless behaviour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gallinazo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- gallinazo culture
- gallinazo pottery
American English
- gallinazo motifs
- gallinazo period
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially figurative: 'The corporate gallinazos are circling the failing company.'
Academic
Used in archaeology (Gallinazo culture of Peru), zoology, and Latin American studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English.
Technical
Specific ornithological term for Coragyps atratus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gallinazo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gallinazo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gallinazo”
- Misspelling as 'galinazo' or 'gallinazzo'.
- Using it as a general term for any bird of prey.
- Assuming it is common English vocabulary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Spanish used in specific English contexts (zoology, archaeology, literature) but is not part of the core English lexicon.
Its primary meaning is the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a carrion bird found in the Americas.
Yes, in literary or rhetorical contexts, it can describe a person who preys on others or profits from misfortune, similar to 'vulture'.
No. It is a highly specialized C2-level word. Learners should prioritise common synonyms like 'vulture' or 'buzzard'.
A term for a vulture, specifically the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), native to the Americas.
Gallinazo is usually regional (latin america), technical (zoology), literary/figurative in register.
Gallinazo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡælɪˈnɑːzəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡɑːlɪˈnɑːzoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Circle like gallinazos (wait greedily for misfortune).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a gallant Nazi officer (sounds like 'gallinazo') picking over the remains of a battlefield like a vulture.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VULTURE IS A RAPACIOUS PERSON. / DEATH IS SCAVENGING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'gallinazo' most likely to be used correctly?