It’s a well known fact that languages are always evolving, whether it’s new words being added to the dictionary or being borrowed from other languages. While English has both Latin, Greek and Germanic origins it has also borrowed a few words directly from its neighbours. Here are fifteen words English has taken from Spanish.
Chilli
Written in Spanish as chili
Armadillo
Written in Spanish as armadillo
Macho
Written in Spanish as macho
Ranch
Written in Spanish as rancho
Mustang
Written in Spanish mesteño
Tornado
Written in Spanish tronada
Alligator
Written in Spanish el lagarto
Avocado
Written in Spanish aguacate
Stampede
Written in Spanish estampida
Lasso
Written in Spanish lazo
Breeze
Written in Spanish brisa
Cockroach
Written in Spanish cucaracha
Anchovy
Written in Spanish anchoa
Mosquito
Written in Spanish mosca or mosquito (little fly)
Savvy
Written in Spanish saber
About the author
Tara is a travel writer and editor who lived in Barcelona for 5 years writing exclusively for Culture Trip. She has a passion for sharing experiences around food and wine.
Read Next
The Best Things to Do in Tarifa's Old Town
The 7 Safest Neighbourhoods in Barcelona
The Top 15 Things To Do And See In Puerta del Sol, Madrid
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Elche, Valencia
A Fashion Lover's Guide to Seville
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Logroño
The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Benimaclet, Valencia
12 Delightful Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Barcelona
The Best Spots to Watch Flamenco in Valencia
The 7 Best Things to See and Do in Albacete, Spain
10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Malaga Province
Top 10 Things to See and do in Ruzafa, Valencia
Winter Sale
Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!
