What is pollo in Spanish?

In Spanish, "pollo" primarily means chicken. This term is widely used to refer to both the living bird and the meat prepared for consumption.

Understanding "Pollo" in Spanish

The word "pollo" is a fundamental term in the Spanish language, carrying both a common culinary meaning and a specific, localized slang connotation. Its versatility makes it a frequently encountered word in various contexts, from a restaurant menu to everyday conversation.

Primary Meaning: Chicken

The most common and widely understood meaning of "pollo" is chicken. This can refer to:

• The Animal: A young domestic fowl, often raised for its meat and eggs.
• The Meat: The flesh of a chicken, prepared and eaten as food.

In Spanish cuisine and many other cultures, chicken is a staple ingredient due to its versatility and widespread availability. You'll find it prepared in countless ways, such as:

• Pollo asado: Roasted chicken
• Pollo frito: Fried chicken
• Sopa de pollo: Chicken soup
• Pollo a la brasa: Rotisserie chicken

Plural Form

The plural form of "pollo" is pollos. For instance, if you were referring to multiple chickens or several portions of chicken meat, you would use "pollos."

Slang Meaning and Context

Beyond its literal meaning, "pollo" also carries a specific slang meaning, particularly in Mexico and in contexts related to the U.S. border. In this colloquial sense, "pollo" refers to:

• A laborer who pays to be smuggled or guided over the border into the U.S. illegally. This term highlights a grim reality associated with clandestine border crossings.

This slang usage is highly contextual and not generally understood outside of specific regions or conversations about migration. It's crucial to understand the context to interpret "pollo" correctly.

Summary of Meanings

To provide a clear distinction between the different uses of "pollo," refer to the table below:

Understanding these distinctions ensures proper communication and interpretation of the word "pollo" in Spanish.