Inklingo

How to Say "sellout" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vendido

ven-DEE-doh/benˈdiðo/

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'vendido' to describe someone who has betrayed their principles or loyalties, often for personal gain, implying corruption or treason.
A shifty-looking figure in a simple uniform secretly accepts a large, bulging sack of gold coins behind a pillar, symbolizing a traitorous act.

Examples

Lo llaman vendido porque aceptó el soborno.

They call him a sellout because he accepted the bribe.

La gente lo considera un vendido por cambiar de partido.

People consider him a sellout for changing parties.

Ella fue acusada de ser una vendida a los intereses corporativos.

She was accused of being sold out to corporate interests.

Used as a Noun

This adjective is often used like a noun, especially when preceded by 'un' or 'una' ('un vendido', 'una vendida'). It describes a person who has 'sold' their soul or principles.

prostituta

proh-stee-TOO-tah/prostiˈtuta/

nounC2formal
Use 'prostituta' metaphorically to refer to a person or entity that has betrayed their core beliefs or integrity, often in exchange for power or influence.
An illustration of a simplified character gleefully holding a large bag of money and turning their back on a glowing, symbolic heart lying on the ground, representing the betrayal of principles.

Examples

El crítico describió al político como una prostituta de la ideología.

The critic described the politician as a sellout of ideology.

El periodista calificó al líder como una prostituta del poder.

The journalist labeled the leader as a sellout to power.

Para muchos, la nueva ley es una prostituta de los intereses corporativos.

For many, the new law is a betrayal of corporate interests (literally: a prostitute of corporate interests).

Figurative Use

This meaning is metaphorical and highly derogatory. It implies that a person or institution has 'sold' their integrity or principles for money or influence.

Adjective vs. Noun Usage

Learners often confuse 'vendido' and 'prostituta' by not recognizing that 'vendido' is typically used as an adjective to describe a person's behavior, while 'prostituta' is a noun used metaphorically for a more severe betrayal of principles, especially for power.

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