rollo
“rollo” means “roll” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
roll, coil
Also: spool, reel
📝 In Action
Necesito un rollo de papel de regalo para envolver el libro.
A1I need a roll of wrapping paper to wrap the book.
El electricista dejó un rollo de cable en la esquina.
A2The electrician left a coil of cable in the corner.
bore, drag
Also: nuisance, tedious thing
📝 In Action
¡Qué rollo de película! No pasa nada interesante.
B1What a boring movie! Nothing interesting happens.
Tener que esperar una hora en la cola fue un rollo.
B2Having to wait an hour in line was a drag/hassle.
Mi jefe se pone muy rollo cuando habla de sus vacaciones.
C1My boss gets really boring/tedious when he talks about his vacation.
fling, affair
Also: thing
📝 In Action
Ellos tuvieron un rollo durante el verano, pero ya terminó.
B1They had a fling/thing during the summer, but it's over now.
¿Sabes si María tiene un rollo con el nuevo camarero?
B2Do you know if Maria is seeing (has a thing with) the new waiter?
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: rollo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'rollo' to mean 'a casual romantic relationship'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Vulgar Latin word *rotulus*, which meant 'small wheel' or 'something rolled up,' derived from the Latin *rota* (wheel). This explains its primary meaning as a physical roll or coil.
First recorded: 13th century (in similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'rollo' appropriate in formal settings?
Only when referring to the literal meaning of a physical roll or coil (Definition 1). When referring to a boring situation or a casual relationship, it is highly informal and should be avoided in professional or academic contexts.
Does 'rollo' mean the same thing in Spain and Latin America?
No. The informal meanings (boring/fling) are extremely common in Spain. In many parts of Latin America, 'rollo' primarily means the physical 'roll' (like film or paper), and other words like 'aburrido' or 'lío' are used for the figurative meanings.