Lael logo

patatús means fainting spell — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 30, 2025

😆 Funny Words

patatús

noun • /[pa-ta-TOOS]/

fainting spell

Example:

Casi me da un patatús del susto.

I almost fainted from the scare.

🧠 What does patatús mean?

Patatús is an informal and humorous noun for a sudden, dramatic fainting spell, fit, or emotional collapse, often due to shock, surprise, or fright. It is not a clinical or medical term. It is almost exclusively used with the verb 'dar' in the expression 'darle un patatús a alguien', which literally means 'to give someone a fainting spell'. This phrase emphasizes the sudden and often exaggerated nature of the reaction.

📚 Extra examples

  • Cuando el director vio el desastre en la oficina, casi le da un patatús.
    When the director saw the disaster in the office, he almost had a conniption fit.
  • A mi abuela le dio un patatús al enterarse de que había ganado la lotería.
    My grandmother had a fainting spell when she found out she had won the lottery.
  • ¡No hagas tanto ruido! Le va a dar un patatús al bebé.
    Don't make so much noise! You're going to give the baby a fit.

💡 Did You Know?

The exact origin of 'patatús' is uncertain, but it belongs to a colorful family of Spanish words that describe sudden ailments in a humorous way, such as 'telele', 'soponcio', and 'yeyo'. The sound of the word itself contributes to its playful, non-serious connotation.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "patatús"

Synonyms: desmayo, soponcio, desvanecimiento, telele, síncope, yeyo
Opposites: calma, serenidad, entereza, compostura

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'fainting spell' in Spanish?
A standard, neutral term for 'fainting spell' is 'desmayo' or 'desvanecimiento'. 'Patatús' is a very colloquial and humorous alternative, used to describe a more dramatic or exaggerated reaction.
How do you pronounce 'patatús' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is pa-ta-TÚS, with the stress on the final syllable.
How do you use 'patatús' in a sentence?
It is typically used in the set phrase 'darle un patatús a alguien'. For example, 'Al ver la araña, le dio un patatús' (When she saw the spider, she had a fit).
What is the English translation of 'patatús'?
The English translation is 'fainting spell', 'fit', or 'conniption fit'. The English equivalents capture the informal and dramatic nature of the word.
Does 'patatús' change for gender or number?
No, 'patatús' is a masculine noun ('el patatús') and is almost always used in the singular. It does not have a feminine or plural form in common usage.
Is 'patatús' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is a very common word in informal, everyday speech throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It is well-understood but reserved for colloquial situations.
Does 'patatús' have slang or double meanings?
'Patatús' itself is a colloquial, slang-like term. It doesn't have other significant meanings; its use is focused on describing a sudden and dramatic physical or emotional collapse.
Is 'patatús' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term is widely known and used with the same meaning in both Spain and many countries in Latin America. While some regions might have other local words for the same concept (like 'yeyo' or 'telele'), 'patatús' is broadly understood.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store