panqueque
“panqueque” means “pancake” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pancake, crêpe
Also: hotcake
📝 In Action
Quiero comer un panqueque con dulce de leche.
A1I want to eat a pancake with milk caramel.
La masa del panqueque tiene que ser muy fina.
B1The pancake batter needs to be very thin.
Aprendí a dar vuelta los panqueques en el aire.
B2I learned how to flip pancakes in the air.
flip-flopper
Also: turncoat
📝 In Action
No le creas, es un panqueque; ayer decía lo opuesto.
C1Don't believe him, he's a flip-flopper; yesterday he was saying the opposite.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: panqueque
Question 1 of 3
What is the most common filling for a panqueque in Argentina?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Borrowed directly from the English word 'pancake,' adapted to Spanish spelling and phonetics.
First recorded: 20th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a panqueque the same as a tortilla?
No. A 'tortilla' in Spain is an omelet with potatoes, and in Mexico, it's a flat corn or flour bread for tacos. A 'panqueque' is a sweet, thin pancake.
Can I use this word in Spain?
You will be understood, but people in Spain usually say 'tortitas' for the thick American ones or 'crepes' (using the French word) for the thin ones.
Why is it used for people who change their minds?
It's a visual metaphor: just as you flip a pancake over in the pan to cook the other side, a 'panqueque' person flips their loyalty or opinion to whatever side is more convenient.

