Spanish Word of the Day

Quote: Nareed

BTW, I've no idea where the notion that body parts are not possesive came from, but I'm clasifying it like the rule that states "do not end sentences on a preposition." It's a mere gramatical fetish of no consequence.

It's not the body part that is possessive, it's the adjective that proceeds it.

Tengo el pelo negro. - correct Spanish

I have the black hair. - incorrect English because we don't use the definite article

I have black hair.
My hair is black. - English often uses the possessive article.

Quote: Pacomartin

It's not the body part that is possessive, it's the adjective that proceeds it.

In common, every-day usage, the article use is possesive. If grammar books say otherwise, they should find another fetish to worship.

If you look through my posts, here and elsewhere, you'll find I often say things like "it's as if..." rather than "it's like..." and "as I said" rather than "like I said." Those are grammar fetishes.

Quote: Nareed

In common, every-day usage, the article use is possesive. If grammar books say otherwise, they should find another fetish to worship.

I'm trying to understand what you are saying. Which way would you translate "My hair is black"?

1) Tengo el pelo negro.
2) Mi pelo es negro.

Quote: Pacomartin

I'm trying to understand what you are saying. Which way would you translate "My hair is black"?

1) Tengo el pelo negro.
2) Mi pelo es negro.

It depends on context and other thigns. But both options are right.

Sorry to have not posted for a while. However, I wanted to mention that I tried to order two hot dogs from one of those stands that sells the Tijuana-style hot dog that is wrapped in bacon and served with onions and peppers. Although she was clearly catering to a Mexican customer base, her cart said "hot dogs" on it. Nevertheless, I asked for "dos perros calientes, por favor." She snickered to her friend and then answered back in English regarding what toppings I wanted on them.


Image source: http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo85/exile_kiss/2009_09_Sep/09_09_05_Tijuana_072.jpg

Quote: Wizard

I asked for "dos perros calientes, por favor."

The phrase "hot dog" is a peculiarly American invention of the late 19th century. Spanish for sausage is "salchicha". I see places on the web where hot dog is translated, but I don't ever remember seeing it translated on a cart.


Hot dogs and hamburgers are popular street food everywhere in Mexico, but as you go farther south you see them less and less as people eat more traditional foods.

Quote: Wizard

She snickered to her friend

I warned you.

Quote: Nareed

I warned you.

To be fair it isn't a proper name, and it does appear (rarely) on the web.
Perrito caliente - Wikipedia

The fact that an image search did not produce one photo of a sign, tells me that it isn't commonly used.

Quote: Pacomartin

The fact that an image search did not produce one photo of a sign, tells me that it isn't commonly used.

I've said that, too.

Around 1870, on Coney Island, German immigrant Charles Feltman began selling sausages in rolls. The use of the term "dog" for a sausage was commonplace by the 1880's, but dates back decades to the common accusation that the sausages contained dog meat. Nathan's used to dress people in surgical garb and have them eat at the stands so that people believed that doctors considered them healthy. The phrase "hot dog" dates to baseball games around the turn of the century.