mosca
“mosca” means “fly” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fly
📝 In Action
Hay una mosca muy molesta zumbando cerca de la ventana.
A1There is a very annoying fly buzzing near the window.
Necesitamos un matamoscas para deshacernos de la mosca.
A2We need a fly swatter to get rid of the fly.
cash, dough
📝 In Action
El cajero automático no funciona, así que tuve que pagar con mosca.
B1The ATM isn't working, so I had to pay with cash.
No aceptan tarjeta, solo quieren mosca.
B2They don't accept cards, they only want cash.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mosca
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'mosca' in its slang meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *musca*, which also meant 'fly.' This root has been used for centuries to describe the annoying little insect.
First recorded: Old Spanish (likely pre-13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mosca' sometimes mean money?
While the exact origin is debated, one theory is that it refers to the small, annoying nature of having to pay or the smallness of coins, similar to how a fly buzzes around and bothers you. It's used exclusively for physical cash.
What does the phrase 'Por si las moscas' literally mean?
It literally translates to 'for if the flies.' It’s a very common way to say 'just in case' or 'as a precaution,' perhaps originating from the need to cover food 'in case the flies come.'