marrano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Historical/Offensive
Quick answer
What does “marrano” mean?
A historical term for a Spanish or Portuguese Jew who converted to Christianity, especially under duress during the Inquisition, but was suspected of secretly adhering to Judaism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical term for a Spanish or Portuguese Jew who converted to Christianity, especially under duress during the Inquisition, but was suspected of secretly adhering to Judaism.
Used as a pejorative or historical term for a secret Jew or a convert, particularly one perceived as insincere. Also, in some Spanish dialects, a general term for 'pig' or 'swine'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is equally rare in both varieties, confined to historical or academic discourse.
Connotations
Strongly negative historical/religious connotations. The Spanish dialect meaning ('pig') adds a layer of insult.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions. Most English speakers would not know the word.
Grammar
How to Use “marrano” in a Sentence
[The/Some] marranos [verb: fled, practiced, were accused]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marrano” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in English)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in English)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used attributively) The marrano communities faced constant suspicion.
American English
- (Rarely used attributively) Scholars study marrano identities in the early modern period.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and Sephardic Jewish studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be confusing or offensive.
Technical
Specific historical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marrano”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marrano”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marrano”
- Using it in modern casual conversation.
- Not recognising its offensive potential.
- Confusing it with 'Moroccan' or other unrelated terms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be. Historically it was a term of abuse and derision. In modern English, it is used primarily in academic/historical contexts, but one should be aware of its pejorative origins.
In Spanish, yes, 'marrano' can mean 'pig' or 'swine'. This meaning contributed to the term's insulting nature when applied to Jewish converts.
'Converso' is the more neutral, historical term for a Jew who converted to Christianity in medieval Spain. 'Marrano' is the derogatory term, specifically implying the convert was insincere and secretly Jewish.
Only if you are writing specifically about this historical period or topic. It is a technical term. Use it with precision and, often, in quotation marks or with an explanation of its derogatory nature on first use.
A historical term for a Spanish or Portuguese Jew who converted to Christianity, especially under duress during the Inquisition, but was suspected of secretly adhering to Judaism.
Marrano is usually formal/historical/offensive in register.
Marrano: in British English it is pronounced /məˈrɑːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈrɑnoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To live like a marrano (to live a double life, rare).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARRIed person in medieval SpAin who has to hide their true beliefs to survive - a MAR-RA-NO.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIDING/DUPLICITY IS LIVING A DOUBLE LIFE; PERSECUTION IS HUNTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'marrano' primarily used today?