matón
“matón” means “bully” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bully
Also: thug, hired killer
📝 In Action
El matón de la clase siempre se burlaba de los más pequeños.
B1The class bully always made fun of the smaller kids.
El villano mandó a un matón para recuperar el dinero.
B2The villain sent a thug to get the money back.
tough-looking
Also: bullying
📝 In Action
Llevaba una chaqueta de cuero con un estilo muy matón.
B2He was wearing a leather jacket with a very tough-looking style.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: matón
Question 1 of 1
If you call someone a 'matón' in a school setting, what are you most likely saying?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'matar' (to kill), which comes from Latin, combined with the augmentative suffix '-ón' which denotes a person who performs an action frequently or intensely.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'matón' always a bad thing?
Yes, almost always. It describes someone who uses intimidation or violence. The only exception is very specific regional slang where it might mean 'cool,' but you should stick to the 'bully' meaning to be safe.
What is the female version of 'matón'?
The female version is 'matona,' though 'matón' is frequently used to describe the general concept of a bully.