matón

bully, thug

noun mah-TOHN Rare

Usage Note

Matón derives from matar (to kill) and refers to someone who uses intimidation or violence—a bully, hired muscle, or petty thug. The feminine form is matona. In school contexts it is the standard word for 'bully'; in crime contexts it means 'enforcer' or 'hired thug'.

Examples

"El matón del barrio intimidaba a todos."

Natural Translation

The neighborhood bully intimidated everyone.

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