Equis

Wed, Jan 27, 2016

Una fiesta equis = a lame, boring party. Un tipo equis = someone without interesting, redeeming features.

As you know, equis is the name of the letter x. However, as an adjective it conveys the idea of disappointingly ordinary or unimpressive. It's perfect for dismissing something — or someone — as unworthy of your attention.

Un tache

The kind of x used for crossing something out would not be una equis but rather un tache, from the verb tachar, cross out. On a form, you can indicate your selection by writing un tache ✗ instead of una palomita ✓.

Una tacha

The feminine counterpart, una tacha, refers to a hit of the recreational drug ectasy, nicknamed X in English.

© 2003-2024 Mark R. Alexander