Batear por la izquierda
/bah-teh-AR por la ees-KYER-dah/
A slang expression used to say that a man is gay or homosexual.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this phrase means 'to bat from the left side,' a common term in baseball.
Figuratively, it's a slang expression meaning a man is gay.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
No sabía que tu primo bateaba por la izquierda hasta que lo vi con su novio.
C1I didn't know your cousin was gay until I saw him with his boyfriend.
En esa época era un secreto, muchos no se atrevían a decir que bateaban por la izquierda.
C1In that era it was a secret, many didn't dare to say they were gay.
📜 Origin Story
This expression comes directly from the world of baseball. In the sport, the vast majority of players are right-handed batters. Left-handed batters, while not rare, are in the minority and are seen as 'different' from the norm. This idea of being different from the majority was metaphorically applied to sexual orientation, using the less common 'batting from the left' to refer to homosexuality. It also taps into a long history in many cultures where the 'left' side was associated with things outside the mainstream or unconventional.
⭐ Usage Tips
Handle with Care
This is a very informal, slang term. It can be considered outdated or even offensive, especially by younger generations or within the LGBTQ+ community. It's often used in gossipy or locker-room type conversations. For respectful communication, it's always better to use direct terms like 'es gay'.
Gender Specific
This idiom is almost exclusively used to refer to men. There isn't a widely used female equivalent like 'batear por la derecha'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using It in Formal or Respectful Situations
Mistake: "Using this phrase in a serious conversation about someone's identity or in a formal setting."
Correction: This is slang and should be avoided in any context that requires respect and sensitivity. Use direct language like 'es homosexual' or 'es gay' instead. Think of it as a term you might overhear, but would be cautious about using yourself.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this idiom? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
Preterite vs. Imperfect
The examples clearly contrast the two past tenses, using the Imperfect ('sabía', 'bateaba') for ongoing states or habits in the past, and the Preterite ('vi') for a specific, completed action.
Por vs. Para
The idiom uses the preposition 'por' in 'batear por la izquierda' to indicate the side or route of the action, which is a common and sometimes tricky usage of 'por'.
🌎 Where It's Used
Latin America
Most common in Caribbean countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. It is understood in other parts of Latin America but may be less frequent.
Spain
Not commonly used in Spain. They have their own expressions, such as 'ser de la acera de enfrente' (to be from the opposite sidewalk).
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Batear por la izquierda
Question 1 of 1
If you hear someone say that a man 'batea por la izquierda', what do they most likely mean?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'batear por la izquierda' an offensive term?
It can be. Its tone depends heavily on the speaker and the context. It's generally considered an outdated, informal, and sometimes gossipy term. Many people, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, may find it insensitive or derogatory. It is much safer and more respectful to use direct terms like 'es gay'.