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látigo

LA-tee-goˈlatigo

“látigo” means “whip” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

whip

Also: lash
NounmB1
Argentina/Uruguay
A long, curled leather whip with a wooden handle resting on a wooden surface.

📝 In Action

El domador usaba un látigo para dirigir a los leones.

B1

The tamer used a whip to direct the lions.

Se escuchó el fuerte chasquido del látigo.

B2

The loud crack of the whip was heard.

El jinete lleva un látigo pequeño para las carreras.

C1

The rider carries a small whip for the races.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • azote (lash/whip)
  • rebenque (short leather whip (often used in South America))

Common Collocations

  • chasquido de látigo – crack of a whip
  • golpe de látigo – whip stroke
  • a punta de látigo – under pressure/by force

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser un látigo – To be very demanding or strict with others

whiplash

Also: snap
NounmB2
A stylized person with a small supportive brace around their neck.

📝 In Action

Después del choque, el conductor sufrió un efecto látigo.

B2

After the crash, the driver suffered whiplash.

Sus palabras fueron como un látigo para mi conciencia.

C1

Her words were like a lash to my conscience.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • latigazo cervical (whiplash (medical term))

Common Collocations

  • efecto látigo – whiplash effect

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "látigo" in Spanish:

lash→whiplash→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: látigo

Question 1 of 3

What is the most common meaning of 'látigo'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
latigazo(a lash or a crack of a whip) — Noun
latiguear(to flick or whip repeatedly) — Verb
latiguillo(catchphrase or filler word) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Probably from Gothic 'laitigg', which referred to a strap or a lead for animals. It shares roots with words related to pulling or leading.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: látego

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'látigo' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: el látigo.

Can 'látigo' be a verb?

No, 'látigo' is only a noun. If you want to say 'to whip,' use the verb 'latiguear' or 'azotar'.

What does 'latiguillo' mean?

While it comes from the same root, a 'latiguillo' usually means a 'catchphrase' or a verbal tick (like saying 'um' or 'you know').