hidalgo y costilla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “hidalgo y costilla” mean?
A proper noun referring to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), the Roman Catholic priest and key leader in the Mexican War of Independence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), the Roman Catholic priest and key leader in the Mexican War of Independence.
The phrase is used as a title for the historical figure, often shortened to "Hidalgo," and can also refer to places, institutions, or events named in his honor. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the initiator of the Mexican independence movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, though recognition of the historical figure may be marginally higher in American English due to geographical and historical ties to Mexico.
Connotations
Connotes the origins of Mexican independence, revolution, and national identity. In academic contexts, it carries a neutral, factual connotation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English, appearing primarily in historical texts, educational materials, or contexts related to Mexican history and culture.
Grammar
How to Use “hidalgo y costilla” in a Sentence
Father Hidalgo y Costilla + past tense verb (led, initiated, declared)Hidalgo y Costilla + is remembered as + noun phraseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hidalgo y costilla” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hidalgo y Costilla era was turbulent.
American English
- A Hidalgo y Costilla commemorative stamp was issued.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, Latin American studies, and political science courses discussing the Mexican independence movement.
Everyday
Rare, except in conversation with specific historical or cultural relevance, e.g., on Mexican Independence Day.
Technical
Used in historiographical works and scholarly biographies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hidalgo y costilla”
- Using 'Hidalgo' as a common noun meaning 'nobleman' in a modern Spanish sense when referring to the historical figure.
- Omitting 'y Costilla' in formal historical references.
- Incorrectly pronouncing 'Hidalgo' with a silent 'h'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the full name of one person. 'Hidalgo' is the paternal surname and 'Costilla' is the maternal surname, following Spanish naming conventions.
Because he was an ordained Roman Catholic priest (a 'padre'). This title is used to denote his clerical status alongside his historical role.
In informal or general contexts, 'Hidalgo' is often sufficient and widely understood, especially when preceded by 'Father'. In formal academic or historical writing, the full name 'Hidalgo y Costilla' or at least 'Miguel Hidalgo' is preferred for precision.
Rarely. Its primary use is historical. You may encounter it in names of streets, plazas, schools, or municipalities in Mexico and areas with Mexican cultural influence (e.g., Hidalgo County, Texas).
A proper noun referring to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), the Roman Catholic priest and key leader in the Mexican War of Independence.
Hidalgo y costilla is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Hidalgo y costilla: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈdælɡəʊ iː kɒˈstiːjə/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈdælɡoʊ i kɔˈstiːjə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the cry of Hidalgo (referring to the Grito de Dolores)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Hidalgo y COST me a lot to learn about in history class, but he was key for Mexico's LIBERTY.' (High Cost - Liberty)
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDER IS A FATHER (The Father of Mexican Independence).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Hidalgo y Costilla' best known for?