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

📅 Published: January 18, 2026

😆 Funny Words

triquiñuela

noun • /[tree-kee-NYUE-la]/

trick

Example:

Usó una triquiñuela para ganar.

He used a trick to win.

🧠 What does triquiñuela mean?

A 'triquiñuela' is a clever, often cunning or slightly deceitful trick, scheme, or maneuver used to achieve a goal, especially to gain an advantage or get out of a difficult situation. It implies using guile or finding a loophole rather than outright force or lying. The term often carries a connotation of being a minor, though not necessarily harmless, act of cleverness.

📚 Extra examples

  • El abogado encontró una triquiñuela legal para que su cliente evitara la multa.
    The lawyer found a legal trick for his client to avoid the fine.
  • Con una pequeña triquiñuela, logró que le dieran el mejor asiento del teatro.
    With a little ploy, he managed to get the best seat in the theater.
  • Los políticos a menudo recurren a triquiñuelas para ganar el favor del público.
    Politicians often resort to clever schemes to win public favor.

💡 Did You Know?

The sound of the word 'triquiñuela' itself feels a bit playful and intricate, which mirrors its meaning. It evokes a sense of something less severe than a serious deception ('engaño') and more akin to a clever, almost mischievous, stratagem.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "triquiñuela"

Synonyms: artimaña, estratagema, subterfugio, argucias, maña, truco
Opposites: honestidad, franqueza, sinceridad, transparencia, rectitud

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'trick' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'trick' is 'truco'. However, 'triquiñuela' is used for a more specific type of trick that involves cunning, scheming, or finding a loophole. Other options include 'artimaña' (ruse, stratagem) and 'engaño' (deceit, trickery).
How do you pronounce 'triquiñuela' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is tree-kee-NWEH-lah. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'ñue'.
How do you use 'triquiñuela' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Usó una triquiñuela para no tener que hacer la tarea.' This means, 'He used a clever trick to avoid doing the homework.'
What is the English translation of 'triquiñuela'?
The English translation is 'trick'. More nuanced translations include 'ploy', 'scheme', 'subterfuge', 'wile', or 'clever maneuver'.
Does 'triquiñuela' change for gender or number?
'Triquiñuela' is a feminine noun. The plural form is 'triquiñuelas'. For example: 'Conoce todas las triquiñuelas del negocio' (He knows all the tricks of the trade).
Is 'triquiñuela' common in everyday Spanish?
It is not as common in casual conversation as the word 'truco', but it is widely understood and used, particularly in writing or more formal speech. It adds a specific flavor of craftiness or cunning.
Does 'triquiñuela' have slang or double meanings?
'Triquiñuela' does not have significant slang or double meanings. Its meaning is consistently related to a clever or cunning trick.
Is 'triquiñuela' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word is used and understood with the same meaning throughout the Spanish-speaking world. There are no significant regional variations in its use.

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