Have you ever met someone who just says exactly what's on their mind, for better or for worse? The kind of person who doesn't sugarcoat their opinions? Well, Spanish has the perfect idiom for that, and it's one you won't forget.
Let's dive into the wonderfully descriptive phrase: no tener pelos en la lengua.
The Literal Meaning: A Hairy Situation?
If we translate this phrase word for word, we get something quite strange:
- No tener - to not have
- Peloshairs - hairs
- En la lenguatongue - on the tongue
So, literally, it means "to not have hairs on the tongue." Imagine trying to speak with a mouthful of hair. It would be difficult to speak clearly and you'd probably hesitate, right? The hairs would get in the way.
By removing those imaginary hairs, you're free to speak clearly, directly, and without any obstruction. This vivid image is the key to understanding the idiom's true meaning.
The Real Meaning: Don't Mince Words
When a Spanish speaker says someone no tiene pelos en la lengua, they mean that person is:
- Blunt and direct
- Frank and outspoken
- Not afraid to say what they really think, even if it's controversial or might upset someone.
They don't "mince their words" or "beat around the bush." They tell it like it is.
English Equivalents
Think of it like saying someone "tells it like it is," "doesn't pull any punches," or is "brutally honest."
This trait can be seen as a positive (honesty, transparency) or a negative (rudeness, lack of tact), depending entirely on the context and your perspective! This is a great example of an expressive phrase used in daily conversation.
How to Use 'No Tener Pelos en la Lengua' in a Sentence
The phrase is most often used with the verb tener conjugated to fit the subject. Let's look at some real-world examples.
Example 1: The Honest Friend
Imagine you're trying on a new outfit and you're not sure about it. You ask your friend Maria for her opinion.
Tú: ¿Qué te parece? ¿Me queda bien? (What do you think? Does it look good on me?)
Tu amigo: Pues... ya sabes que María no tiene pelos en la lengua. Te va a decir la verdad. (Well... you know Maria doesn't mince words. She's going to tell you the truth.)
Here, it’s used to warn you that Maria will give you her direct, unfiltered opinion.
Example 2: The Direct Boss
A manager is giving feedback on a project and isn't sugarcoating the criticism.
El jefe no tuvo pelos en la lengua cuando dijo que el informe era un desastre. (The boss didn't mince words when he said the report was a disaster.)
This highlights the boss's direct and perhaps harsh feedback.
Example 3: Describing Yourself
You can also use it to describe your own communication style.
Lo siento si fui demasiado directo. Es que no tengo pelos en la lengua. (I'm sorry if I was too direct. It's just that I don't mince words.)
This is a way of explaining (or excusing!) your own bluntness.
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Remember to always conjugate the verb tener! The idiom isn't used as a simple adjective.
Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to see if you've got it? Try this quick quiz.
If your friend tells you 'no tengo pelos en la lengua' before giving you advice, what should you prepare for?
Final Thoughts
Idioms like no tener pelos en la lengua are what make learning Spanish so much fun. They offer a window into the culture and provide a more colorful, expressive way to communicate.
So, the next time you encounter someone who is refreshingly (or shockingly) direct, you'll know exactly what to say: ¡Esa persona no tiene pelos en la lengua!
