verdugo
“verdugo” means “executioner” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
executioner
Also: hangman
📝 In Action
En la Edad Media, el verdugo solía llevar una máscara.
B1In the Middle Ages, the executioner used to wear a mask.
El verdugo esperaba la señal del rey.
B2The executioner was waiting for the king's signal.
Nadie quería ser amigo del verdugo del pueblo.
C1Nobody wanted to be friends with the town's executioner.
tormentor
Also: cruel person
📝 In Action
Ese entrenador es un verdugo con los jugadores.
B2That coach is a tormentor with the players.
El destino fue su propio verdugo.
C1Fate was his own executioner (tormentor).
No seas tan verdugo y ayúdame un poco.
C1Don't be such a tyrant and help me a bit.
balaclava
Also: ski mask
📝 In Action
Tienes que ponerte el verdugo para esquiar.
A2You have to put on your balaclava to go skiing.
El niño llevaba un verdugo de lana azul.
B1The boy was wearing a blue wool balaclava.
Hacía tanto frío que me cubrí la cara con el verdugo.
B1It was so cold that I covered my face with the ski mask.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "verdugo" in Spanish:
balaclava→cruel person→executioner→hangman→ski mask→tormentor→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: verdugo
Question 1 of 3
If you are in a ski resort in Spain and someone mentions a 'verdugo', what are they likely talking about?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the word 'verde' (green). Originally, it referred to a young, green shoot or branch of a tree. Because these flexible branches were used as whips or switches for punishment, the person who used them became known as 'el verdugo'. Later, the name of the hood they wore also took on the same name.
First recorded: 13th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'verdugo' a bad word?
Not necessarily. It is a standard word for 'executioner' or a 'balaclava'. However, calling someone a 'verdugo' is an insult, meaning they are cruel.
Can I use 'verdugo' for a woman?
In its historical sense, it is almost always masculine ('el verdugo'). For the clothing item or figurative meaning, you would still typically use the masculine form to describe the object or person.
What is the difference between 'pasamontañas' and 'verdugo'?
They often mean the same thing (a balaclava). 'Pasamontañas' is used everywhere, while 'verdugo' is more specific to Spain.