Inklingo

How to Say "boogeyman" in Spanish

The Spanish word forboogeymanis cocoB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1

coco

nounB1informal
Alternative spelling
A stylized, slightly scary shadowy monster with large eyes and minimal features, representing the bogeyman.

Examples

Si no te duermes, vendrá el coco a buscarte.

If you don't go to sleep, the bogeyman will come looking for you.

De niño, le tenía mucho miedo al coco.

As a child, I was very afraid of the bogeyman.

Cultural Context

This meaning is purely cultural and refers to a mythical creature used by parents in Spain and Latin America to encourage good behavior in children.

Literal Translation

Mistake:Translating 'coco' in this context literally as 'coconut'.

Correction: When used in the context of fear or children's stories, 'coco' always means 'bogeyman' or 'monster.' Context is key!

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