Mariquita (en. Ladybug)

/maɾiˈkita/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

An insect that has a rounded shape and is known for its bright colors, primarily red with black spots.

My garden is full of ladybugs that help control pests.

Mi jardín está lleno de mariquitas que ayudan a controlar las plagas.

In some countries, a colloquial term that refers to a man who displays behaviors considered feminine.

He doesn’t mind being called a sissy; he lives his life as he wants.

No le importa que lo llamen mariquita, vive su vida como quiere.

The term comes from Old Spanish, possibly a combination of 'María' and 'quita', due to the association with the Virgin Mary.

to be a sissy

To be a person who behaves in a feminine manner.

ser una mariquita

ladybug

To refer to ladybugs as insects that are beneficial in the garden.

mariquita de jardín

ladybug

Synonym for ladybug, used in various Spanish-speaking countries.

catarina

ladybug

Scientific name for ladybugs in their classification as insects.

coccinela

A derogatory term used in some contexts to describe a homosexual man.

The guy who dresses flamboyantly is considered a sissy by some.

El chico que se viste de manera flamboyante es considerado mariquita por algunos.

Sometimes used in friendly jokes among friends to refer to someone who is delicate or neurotic.

Don’t be a sissy; it’s just a little scratch.

No seas mariquita, solo es un pequeño rasguño.