Mapache (en. Raccoon)

ma-PA-che

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A mammal of the carnivore order, native to America, that has a robust body and a ringed tail.
The raccoon is known for its intelligence and ability to open containers.
El mapache es conocido por su inteligencia y habilidad para abrir contenedores.
An animal that primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Raccoons are opportunists and often search for food in garbage bins.
Los mapaches son oportunistas y a menudo buscan comida en los basureros.
A species that typically lives in forests but can also adapt to urban environments.
I have seen raccoons in the park looking for food among the trees.
He visto mapaches en el parque buscando comida entre los árboles.

Etymology

From Nahuatl 'māpac', which refers to a type of animal with light fur.

Common Phrases and Expressions

work like a raccoon
To work in a clever or stealthy manner, like a raccoon does.
trabajar como un mapache
eat like a raccoon
To eat in a messy way or in large quantities.
comer como un mapache

Related Words

character
The personality or way of being of someone, similar to the cleverness of the raccoon.
carácter
nocturnal
Relating to the night; refers to animals like the raccoon that are active in the dark.
nocturno

Slang Meanings

It is used to refer to someone who is clever or has skills to get what they want.
That guy is a raccoon; he always knows how to get away with it.
Ese tipo es un mapache, siempre sabe cómo salirse con la suya.
Colloquial term to describe someone who searches for food in a disorganized manner.
That person behaves like a raccoon when it comes to eating.
Esa persona se comporta como un mapache cuando se trata de comer.