How to Say "sellout" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sellout” is “vendido” — use 'vendido' to describe someone who has betrayed their principles or loyalties, often for personal gain, implying corruption or treason.
Use 'vendido' to describe someone who has betrayed their principles or loyalties, often for personal gain, implying corruption or treason.
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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.
Learn more →ven-DEE-dohbenˈdiðo
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.
proh-stee-TOO-tahprostiˈtuta
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.
Related Translations
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