olímpico

Olympic

adjective oh-LEEM-pee-koh Common

Origin: From Greek Olympikos, relating to Mount Olympus.

Usage Note

Olímpico refers primarily to the Olympic Games (los Juegos Olímpicos), but in colloquial Spanish it is also used hyperbolically to mean 'utter' or 'monumental' — una ignorancia olímpica means a breathtaking or total ignorance. This ironic usage is distinctly Spanish in flavour and surprises learners who know only the sporting sense.

Examples

"El equipo ganó la medalla olímpica."

Natural Translation

The team won the Olympic medal.

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