bombazo

bombshell

noun bom-BAH-soh Rare

Origin: Augmentative of bomba (bomb) + the augmentative suffix -azo.

Also means

big explosion

Usage Note

Bombazo uses the augmentative suffix -azo, which in Spanish can indicate a large size or, as here, a dramatic impact — it is used both literally (a large or powerful explosion) and figuratively (a shocking piece of news or a stunning achievement). In sports journalism, un bombazo often describes a spectacular long-range goal. The suffix -azo is highly productive and worth learning: golazo and exitazo follow the same pattern.

Examples

"La dimisión del ministro fue un bombazo."

Natural Translation

The minister's resignation was a bombshell.

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