flaco
“flaco” means “thin” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
thin
Also: skinny, lean
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es muy flaco porque hace mucho deporte.
A1My brother is very thin because he does a lot of sports.
Estás más flaco que la última vez que te vi.
A2You are thinner than the last time I saw you.
Prefiero comprar carne flaca para la cena.
B1I prefer to buy lean meat for dinner.
guy / dude
Also: skinny
📝 In Action
¿Qué haces, flaco? ¿Todo bien?
B1What's up, man? Everything good?
Ese flaco de la chaqueta roja es mi primo.
B1That guy in the red jacket is my cousin.
Oye flaca, ¿me pasas la sal?
B1Hey girl, can you pass me the salt?
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: flaco
Question 1 of 3
If you want to say someone is thin because they've been sick recently, which verb should you use?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'flaccus', which actually meant 'flabby' or 'drooping'. Over time, the meaning shifted in Spanish to describe someone thin or lacking fat.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'flaco' an insult?
Not necessarily. Between friends, it's a common and even affectionate nickname. However, if used with a mean tone by a stranger, it can be slightly rude.
Can I use 'flaco' to describe a thin book or a thin wall?
Usually no. For objects, it's better to use 'fino' (thin/fine) or 'delgado'. 'Flaco' is almost exclusively for living beings or meat.
Is it 'flaco' or 'flaca'?
It depends on who you are talking about! 'Flaco' for a man or a male pet, and 'flaca' for a woman or a female pet.