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ñangado means weakling — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 24, 2026

😆 Funny Words

ñangado

noun • /[NYAN-ga-do]/

weakling

Example:

Ese ñangado no levanta ni una caja.

That weakling can't even lift a box.

🧠 What does ñangado mean?

Ñangado is a colloquial noun and adjective primarily used in Caribbean Spanish, especially in Puerto Rico, to refer to a weak, feeble, or listless person. As an adjective, it can describe someone who is feeling weak or lacking energy, for instance, after an illness. The term can also be extended to describe objects or abstract concepts that are flimsy, poorly made, or lacking substance, such as a 'puente ñangado' (a flimsy bridge) or an 'argumento ñangado' (a weak argument). Due to its regional and informal nature, it is not commonly used in formal writing or in other Spanish-speaking regions.

📚 Extra examples

  • No seas un ñangado y ayúdame a levantar esta caja.
    Don't be a weakling and help me lift this box.
  • Después de la fiebre, me sentí ñangado por varios días.
    After the fever, I felt weak for several days.
  • Le dieron una excusa ñangada que nadie se creyó.
    They gave him a flimsy excuse that nobody believed.

💡 Did You Know?

The origin of 'ñangado' is uncertain, but some linguists suggest it may have roots in African languages brought to the Caribbean. This is common for many words in Caribbean Spanish, which has a rich history of linguistic contact and influence, making its vocabulary particularly unique and colorful.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñangado"

Synonyms: debilucho, flojo, enclenque, débil, flacucho
Opposites: fuerte, robusto, vigoroso, fornido, fortachón

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'weakling' in Spanish?
Common words for 'weakling' in Spanish are 'debilucho' and 'flojo'. The word 'ñangado' is a colloquial alternative used mainly in Caribbean countries like Puerto Rico.
How do you pronounce 'ñangado' in Spanish?
'Ñangado' is pronounced 'nyahn-GAH-doh'. The 'ñ' sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon', and the stress is on the second syllable, '-ga-'.
How do you use 'ñangado' in a sentence?
As a noun, one might say: 'Ese boxeador es un ñangado, no aguantó ni un asalto.' (That boxer is a weakling, he didn't even last one round.) As an adjective: 'Estoy un poco ñangado hoy, creo que me voy a enfermar.' (I'm feeling a bit weak today, I think I'm getting sick.)
What is the English translation of 'ñangado'?
The most direct English translation is 'weakling'. Depending on the context, it can also mean feeble, flimsy, listless, or spineless.
Does 'ñangado' change for gender or number?
Yes, it follows standard adjective and noun agreement rules. The feminine form is 'ñangada', the masculine plural is 'ñangados', and the feminine plural is 'ñangadas'.
Is 'ñangado' common in everyday Spanish?
No, it is a regionalism. While it can be common in everyday, informal conversation in places like Puerto Rico, it is not used or widely understood in Spain or most of Latin America.
Does 'ñangado' have slang or double meanings?
Its primary meaning of 'weakling' is already considered colloquial or slang. By extension, it is also used to describe anything of poor quality, flimsy, or lacking in substance, which is a secondary, figurative meaning.
Is 'ñangado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'ñangado' is characteristic of Caribbean Spanish, a specific regional dialect within Latin America. It is not used in Spain, where speakers would use words like 'debilucho' or 'flojo' instead.

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