The Meaning of perra

Keyword: perra

Definition:

1. Primary Meaning: In Spanish, “perra” is the feminine form of “perro,” which means “dog.” It specifically refers to a female dog.
2. Colloquial Usage: The term “perra” can also be used colloquially to refer to a woman in a derogatory sense, often implying a negative judgment about her character or behavior.

Usage:

• In a literal sense: “La perra ladra toda la noche.” (The female dog barks all night.)
• In a colloquial and derogatory sense: “No seas perra.” (Don’t be a [derogatory term for ‘bitch’].)

Etymology: The word “perra” is derived from Old Spanish “perra,” which has its roots in the Vulgar Latin *canīna, the feminine form of *caninus (pertaining to a dog). The word relates to “canis,” the Latin word for dog.

Pronunciation: Phonetic: /ˈpe.ra/ IPA: [ˈpe.ra]

Synonyms:

• Perro (in general reference to dogs; masculine form)
• Canina (feminine form connected to canis, though less common in conversational Spanish)

Antonyms: While “perra” does not have a direct antonym as it refers to a specific gendered animal, in derogatory terms, you might consider:

• “Caballero” (gentleman) or “hombre” (man) when contrasting against the negative usage relating to women.

Additional Notes:

In certain contexts, “perra” has been reclaimed or used playfully among friends, but it often retains a strong derogatory connotation depending on tone and context. As with many words in any language, understanding the context is key to its proper usage.

1. La perra de mi vecino siempre ladra por la noche.
   (My neighbor’s dog always barks at night.)

2. Compré una perra de raza para participar en competencias.
   (I bought a purebred dog to participate in competitions.)

3. La perra está jugando en el jardín con su pelota.
   (The dog is playing in the garden with its ball.)

4. Mi hija quiere adoptar una perra del refugio.
   (My daughter wants to adopt a dog from the shelter.)

5. La perra cuida a sus cachorros con mucho amor.
   (The dog takes care of her puppies with a lot of love.)

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