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piropo

flirtatious compliment; wolf-whistle

noun pee-ROH-poh Rare
Communication Expressions

Origin: From Greek 'pyrōpos' (fire-eyed, a type of garnet), used metaphorically in Spanish for a fiery compliment.

Usage Note

Piropo traditionally describes a compliment called out to someone in the street, typically directed at a woman. Attitudes towards the practice vary: what some consider charming flattery is seen by others as harassment (acoso callejero). The verb echar piropos means 'to pay compliments' or 'to cat-call'. The word retains a slightly archaic, literary flavour when used positively.

Examples

"Le echó un piropo al pasar por la calle."

Natural Translation

He called out a compliment to her as she walked by.

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