Lael logo

tirillas means skinny guy — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 8, 2026

😆 Funny Words

tirillas

noun • /[tee-REE-yas]/

skinny guy

Example:

Ese tirillas no puede con eso.

That skinny guy can’t lift that.

🧠 What does tirillas mean?

The Spanish word 'tirillas' is a colloquial and often humorous noun used to describe a skinny, scrawny, or physically weak man or boy. It comes from the word 'tira', meaning 'strip', creating the image of someone who is very thin. While it can be used in a teasing or slightly pejorative way, it is often said with affection or in jest among friends and family. It is always used in its plural form, 'tirillas', even when referring to a single person ('un tirillas').

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi primo es un tirillas, pero es sorprendentemente fuerte.
    My cousin is a skinny guy, but he's surprisingly strong.
  • En el gimnasio, el entrenador ayudó al tirillas a levantar las pesas correctamente.
    At the gym, the trainer helped the scrawny guy lift the weights correctly.
  • ¡Come más, que te vas a quedar hecho un tirillas!
    Eat more, or you're going to end up a beanpole!

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'tirillas' derives from 'tira', which means 'strip'. The diminutive suffix '-illa' is added, and the word is pluralized to create a humorous and slightly exaggerated image of someone so thin they seem to be made of little strips.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "tirillas"

Synonyms: flaco, esmirriado, canijo, fideo, alfeñique
Opposites: forzudo, cachas, fortachón, armario

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'skinny guy' in Spanish?
A neutral and common way is 'chico delgado' or 'chico flaco'. 'Tirillas' is a very colloquial and informal alternative, often used humorously to mean 'skinny guy' or 'scrawny guy'.
How do you pronounce 'tirillas' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is tee-REE-yahs. The stress is on the second syllable, '-ri-'. The 'll' is pronounced like the 'y' in 'yes'.
How do you use 'tirillas' in a sentence?
It's used as a noun to refer to a person. For example: 'Aquel jugador de baloncesto parece un tirillas, pero es muy ágil.' (That basketball player looks like a skinny guy, but he's very agile.)
What is the English translation of 'tirillas'?
The best English translations are 'skinny guy', 'scrawny guy', 'wimp', or 'beanpole'.
Does 'tirillas' change for gender or number?
'Tirillas' is a masculine noun. It is invariable in form, meaning it is always spelled 'tirillas' with an 's' at the end, whether referring to one person ('un tirillas') or multiple people ('unos tirillas'). It does not have a feminine equivalent.
Is 'tirillas' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is a common colloquial term in Spain, particularly in informal and conversational settings. Its usage is less frequent in Latin America.
Does 'tirillas' have slang or double meanings?
Its primary meaning is slang for a skinny person. The singular form, 'tirilla', can refer to the collar band of a shirt. However, when used to describe a person, the plural form 'tirillas' is always used and specifically carries this slang meaning.
Is 'tirillas' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, 'tirillas' is predominantly used in Spain. In most Latin American countries, other terms like 'flaco', 'flaquito', or 'esqueleto' are more common to describe a very thin person.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store