gusanillo

little worm

noun goo-sah-NEE-yoh Rare

Origin: Diminutive of gusano (worm), from Latin vermiculus.

Also means

nagging feeling

Usage Note

Gusanillo is the affectionate diminutive of gusano, but its most common use is idiomatic: matar el gusanillo means to have a small snack to kill a craving (literally 'kill the little worm'). It can also describe the butterfly-like fluttery feeling of excitement or nerves.

Examples

"Vamos a matar el gusanillo con unas tapas."

Natural Translation

Let's kill the hunger with some tapas.

Literal Translation

Let's-go-to kill the little-worm with some tapas.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Tener in Spanish: Why You're Hungry, Cold & 30 Years

In Spanish you HAVE hunger, cold, and 30 years — not are them. Master tener expressions like tengo hambre, tengo frío, and tengo 30 años in one rule.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read