Aspavientos (en. Gestures)

/as.pa.ˈβjen.tos/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Gestures or hyperbolic attitudes that attract attention.
The speaker's gestures were more striking than his speech.
Los aspavientos del orador eran más llamativos que su discurso.
An attitude that shows a state of excessive emotion.
His gestures upon receiving the news were unmistakable.
Sus aspavientos al recibir la noticia eran inconfundibles.
A way of acting that seeks to provoke reactions in others.
He always makes gestures when he wants to be looked at.
Siempre hace aspavientos cuando quiere que lo miren.

Etymology

Comes from the verb 'aspaventarse', which refers to moving in an exaggerated manner.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to make gestures
To perform exaggerated gestures to attract attention.
hacer aspavientos

Related Words

gesture
Movement made with the hands or body that expresses meaning.
gesto
exaggeration
Action of increasing something beyond the limits of reality.
exageración

Slang Meanings

Comic or theatrical exaggeration.
What he did in the meeting were just gestures to make people laugh.
Lo que hizo en la reunión eran solo aspavientos para hacer reír.
Striking actions without substance.
His gestures did not convince anyone.
Sus aspavientos no convencieron a nadie.