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

📅 Published: January 31, 2026

😆 Funny Words

pipilacha

noun • /[pee-pee-LA-cha]/

ladybug

Example:

Una pipilacha cayó en mi mano.

A ladybug landed on my hand.

🧠 What does pipilacha mean?

‘Pipilacha’ is a highly regional and informal Spanish noun for a ladybug. Its use is almost exclusively confined to Honduras. The word itself has a playful, somewhat whimsical sound to speakers from other regions, which is why it is often considered a funny or curious term. In most of the Spanish-speaking world, this small, spotted beetle is known by more common names like 'mariquita' or 'catarina'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Una pipilacha roja con puntos negros se posó en la flor.
    A red ladybug with black spots landed on the flower.
  • A los niños les encanta observar las pipilachas en el jardín.
    The children love to watch the ladybugs in the garden.
  • Creía que era un insecto raro, pero solo era una pipilacha.
    I thought it was a strange insect, but it was just a ladybug.

💡 Did You Know?

Spanish has a surprising number of regional words for the ladybug. While 'mariquita' is the most widespread term, names for this insect vary dramatically from one country to another. 'Pipilacha' from Honduras is one of the more unusual and phonetically playful examples, highlighting the rich diversity of the Spanish language.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pipilacha"

Synonyms: mariquita, catarina, chinita, vaquita de San Antonio, sarantontón

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'ladybug' in Spanish?
The most common and standard word for 'ladybug' in Spanish is 'mariquita'. However, there are many regional variations, such as 'catarina' (Mexico), 'chinita' (Chile), 'vaquita de San Antonio' (Argentina), and 'pipilacha' (Honduras).
How do you pronounce 'pipilacha' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is pee-pee-LAH-chah. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'la'. The 'ch' is pronounced like the 'ch' in the English word 'church'.
How do you use 'pipilacha' in a sentence?
A simple sentence would be: 'Mira, ¡una pipilacha en la hoja!', which means 'Look, a ladybug on the leaf!'. Remember, this would primarily be understood in Honduras.
What is the English translation of 'pipilacha'?
The English translation of 'pipilacha' is 'ladybug' or 'ladybird'.
Does 'pipilacha' change for gender or number?
'Pipilacha' is a feminine noun. The plural form is 'pipilachas'. To specify the sex of the insect, one could say 'pipilacha macho' (male) or 'pipilacha hembra' (female), though this is uncommon in casual conversation.
Is 'pipilacha' common in everyday Spanish?
No, it is not common across the Spanish-speaking world. It is a regionalism specific to Honduras and would likely not be understood by speakers from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, or other countries.
Does 'pipilacha' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'pipilacha' does not have any widely recognized slang or secondary meanings. It refers specifically to the ladybug insect.
Is 'pipilacha' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, this word is exclusively used in a specific part of Latin America (Honduras) and is not used in Spain at all. It is a clear example of a regional vocabulary word, or 'localismo'.

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