How to Say "earful" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “earful” is “sermón” — use 'sermón' when you've had to listen to a long, often tedious, complaint or lecture, typically from someone in a position of authority or care, like a parent or teacher..
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sermón
nounB1informal
Use 'sermón' when you've had to listen to a long, often tedious, complaint or lecture, typically from someone in a position of authority or care, like a parent or teacher.
Examples
Mi padre me echó un sermón por llegar tarde a casa.
My father gave me a lecture for arriving home late.
peluca
/peh-LOO-kah//peˈluka/
nounC1informal
Choose 'peluca' for a more informal and often shorter, sharp telling-off or reprimand, implying you did something wrong and are being confronted about it.
Examples
Mi jefe me echó una peluca por llegar tarde.
My boss gave me a scolding for arriving late.
Verbs for Scolding
In this sense, the word is almost always used with the verb 'echar' (to throw/give).
Sermón vs. Peluca
Learners often confuse 'sermón' and 'peluca' because both refer to being told off. Remember that 'sermón' implies a longer, more drawn-out lecture, while 'peluca' suggests a more direct, possibly shorter, reprimand.
Related Translations
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