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

📅 Published: November 21, 2025

😆 Funny Words

tapón

noun • /[tah-PON]/

shorty

Example:

Ese tapón no alcanza el estante.

That shorty can’t reach the shelf.

🧠 What does tapón mean?

The Spanish noun 'tapón' literally means 'stopper,' 'plug,' or 'cap,' referring to an object used to seal an opening, like a bottle cap or a sink plug. In many countries, it is also a very common word for a traffic jam ('atasco' is another). Colloquially, and often with a teasing or affectionate tone, 'tapón' can be used to describe a person who is very short.

📚 Extra examples

  • No encuentro el tapón de la bañera.
    I can't find the bathtub plug.
  • Había un tapón enorme en la autopista y llegamos tarde.
    There was a huge traffic jam on the highway and we arrived late.
  • Mi hermano menor es un tapón, pero juega muy bien al baloncesto.
    My younger brother is a shorty, but he plays basketball very well.
  • Le dicen 'el tapón' de cariño porque es el más bajo del equipo.
    They affectionately call him 'the shorty' because he's the shortest on the team.

💡 Did You Know?

The metaphorical link between a 'tapón' (a plug) and a short person comes from the idea of something being short, dense, and compact, much like a cork that plugs a hole. This imagery also explains its use for a traffic jam, where cars are densely packed and 'plug' the road.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "tapón"

Synonyms: bajito, retaco, chaparro
Opposites: alto, gigante, larguirucho

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'shorty' in Spanish?
A colloquial and somewhat teasing way to say 'shorty' in Spanish is 'tapón'. More neutral terms include 'bajito' (for a male) or 'bajita' (for a female).
How do you pronounce 'tapón' in Spanish?
The word 'tapón' is pronounced ta-PON. The stress is on the second syllable, 'pón', which is indicated by the accent mark over the 'o'.
How do you use 'tapón' in a sentence?
For a person: 'A pesar de ser un tapón, es muy fuerte.' (Despite being a shorty, he is very strong.) For a traffic jam: 'Quedamos atrapados en un tapón por una hora.' (We were stuck in a traffic jam for an hour.)
What is the English translation of 'tapón'?
The most common translations of 'tapón' are 'cap,' 'plug,' or 'stopper.' It can also mean 'traffic jam.' In a colloquial context, it translates to 'shorty' or 'short person'.
Does 'tapón' change for gender or number?
'Tapón' is a masculine noun ('el tapón'). When used to refer to a person, it is typically used for males. For a female, one might hear 'taponcito' or use a different word like 'bajita'. The plural form is 'tapones'.
Is 'tapón' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'tapón' is very common in its literal sense of a cap, plug, or traffic jam. Its use to mean 'shorty' is colloquial and less frequent, depending on the region and social context.
Does 'tapón' have slang or double meanings?
Yes. Its primary meanings are 'plug' and 'traffic jam'. Its main slang meaning is a 'short person'. The term can be teasing, so its use depends on the relationship between the speakers.
Is 'tapón' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'plug' or 'cap' is universal. The use of 'tapón' for a traffic jam is common in regions like Spain and the Caribbean, while other areas may prefer 'atasco' or 'embotellamiento'. The colloquial use for a short person is also regional and its frequency varies.

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