Pillo (en. Rascal)

/ˈpiʎo/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

Mischievous or cunning individual who tends to mock the rules.

The boy is a rascal; he always finds a way to avoid doing his homework.

El niño es un pillo, siempre encuentra la forma de evitar hacer los deberes.

Small-time thief or petty criminal.

The rascal was caught stealing an apple at the market.

El pillo fue atrapado robando una manzana en el mercado.

It derives from the term 'pillon', which was used in Old Spanish to refer to a thief or swindler.

to be a rascal

To be cunning or unserious in situations

ser un pillo

street rascal

A person who survives by cheating in the streets

pillo de calle

rascal by nature

Someone who always acts cunningly

pillo por naturaleza

cunning

Cunning or malice of someone to come out well in a situation

picardía

mischief

Mischievous action usually performed by a child

travesura

thief

A person who steals

ladrón

In youth slang, it refers to someone who is very cunning.

That boy is a rascal; he always knows how to get what he wants.

Ese chico es un pillo, siempre sabe cómo conseguir lo que quiere.

It is used to describe a friend who tends to pull deceptive pranks.

Don't believe him; he's a rascal who is always joking around.

No le creas, es un pillo que siempre está bromeando.