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ñoñería means nerdy thing — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 14, 2026

😆 Funny Words

ñoñería

noun • /[nyo-nye-REE-a]/

nerdy thing

Example:

Qué ñoñería estás viendo.

What a nerdy thing you're watching.

🧠 What does ñoñería mean?

A 'ñoñería' is an action, statement, or object characterized by being overly sentimental, nerdy, corny, or a bit childish. It derives from the adjective 'ñoño,' which describes someone with these qualities. The term can be used with a touch of gentle mockery or affection to point out something that is excessively earnest, geeky, or sappy.

📚 Extra examples

  • Se sabe de memoria todos los diálogos de la película; es una ñoñería que nos hace reír.
    He knows all the movie's dialogues by heart; it's a nerdy thing that makes us laugh.
  • Me regaló un poema por nuestro aniversario. ¡Qué ñoñería más bonita!
    He gave me a poem for our anniversary. What a sweet, corny gesture!
  • Coleccionar figuritas de acción puede parecer una ñoñería, pero a él le apasiona.
    Collecting action figures might seem like a nerdy thing, but he's passionate about it.
  • Deja de quejarte, no digas más ñoñerías y come la verdura.
    Stop complaining, don't say any more whiny things and eat your vegetables.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ñoñería' comes from the adjective 'ñoño' (or 'ñoña' for feminine). 'Ñoño' describes a person who is nerdy, overly sentimental, a bit of a crybaby, or excessively bland. Therefore, a 'ñoñería' is the kind of thing a 'ñoño' person would do or say.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñoñería"

Synonyms: cursilada, sensiblería, frikada, niñería
Opposites: madurez, seriedad, genialidad

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nerdy thing' in Spanish?
While 'ñoñería' can mean 'nerdy thing,' a more direct translation might be 'cosa de nerds' or 'frikada' (in Spain). 'Ñoñería' often carries an added sense of sentimentality or corniness that 'nerdy thing' doesn't always have.
How do you pronounce 'ñoñería' in Spanish?
The word is pronounced nyo-nyeh-REE-ah. The stress falls on the final 'i'. The 'ñ' sound is similar to the 'ny' in the English word 'canyon'.
How do you use 'ñoñería' in a sentence?
It is used as a feminine noun to describe an action or object. For example: 'Guardar todas las entradas de cine es una ñoñería suya.' (Saving all the movie tickets is a sentimental little habit of his.)
What is the English translation of 'ñoñería'?
The English translation can vary with context, but common options include 'nerdy thing,' 'corny thing,' 'sappy gesture,' or 'fussy behavior.' There is no single perfect equivalent.
Does 'ñoñería' change for gender or number?
'Ñoñería' is a feminine noun. It has a plural form, 'ñoñerías,' used to refer to multiple such actions or things. For example: 'Me encantan sus ñoñerías.' (I love his nerdy/corny habits.)
Is 'ñoñería' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is quite common in informal and colloquial speech across many Spanish-speaking regions. It is a familiar way to describe certain types of behavior or interests.
Does 'ñoñería' have slang or double meanings?
It does not have significant double meanings, but its interpretation depends heavily on tone and context. It can range from a light-hearted tease about a nerdy hobby to a more critical comment on whiny or overly sentimental behavior.
Is 'ñoñería' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning is generally understood across the Spanish-speaking world. However, in Spain, the word 'frikada' (from 'friki,' meaning geek/nerd) is a very common synonym for the 'nerdy' aspect of 'ñoñería.' In some parts of Latin America, 'ñoñería' might lean more towards 'fussiness' or 'whininess'.

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