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elemento

 

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings.


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  #1  
Old April 28, 2008, 06:17 PM
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elemento

I am so new at this. Thank you for letting me know how to post a new thread.
In response to the "elemento" usage, it is not a phrase, I remembered that in addition to saying that someone is "un cero a la izquierda" to wipe out someone in an insult, when I was growing up I heard the object of an insult referred to as "elemento". For example, if the person with the green dress steps on your toes more than once, you may say, "Que elemento, en el traje verde."

And this "elemento" goes for male or female alike. The "elemento" reduces the person to a mineral, an insentient thing.

I have not used this ever that I recall, but remember hearing it. And I find it hilarious, absolutely funny. And I wonder if it is commonly used in any other country that out friends could shed light. It may not be fun to be addressed as an element, but it surely is better than uglier options.

Paz,
viveka

Last edited by viveka; April 28, 2008 at 06:22 PM. Reason: forgot
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  #2  
Old April 28, 2008, 07:05 PM
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I've never heard the word 'elemento' used quite like that. In Mexico for example, usan mucho la palabra elemento para referirse a los miembros de la fuerza policíaca. "Un elemento de la policía..."

Glad you figured out how to start a new thread too. Good job!
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Old April 28, 2008, 07:58 PM
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elemento

Thanks David.
Well, I think it may be interesting to ask someone from Mexico, because, "un elemento de la policía" to me it sounds to mention the police in the sense of "gendarmes", which in some places is pejorative

http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/SrvltConsulta?LEMA=elemento


Encontré esto en el diccionario "online" de RAE,

7. m. Individuo valorado positiva o negativamente para una acción conjunta. Pedro es uno de los mejores elementos con que contamos ¡Menudo elemento es Fulano!

Pero el uso más común de "elemento" es peyorativo y no positivo.

se dice, "ese elemento no es de confíar", etc.

En mi vida nunca he visto "elemento" usado para describir una persona positiva. RAE, me informa algo completamente nuevo.

****

On another note, I am still very lost with the use of the threads. I appreciate your friendship and patience.

Paz siempre,
viveka

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Old April 28, 2008, 08:04 PM
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question

David, the more recent posting in reply to
elemento
included the online 7th usage option from RAE

el thread más reciente que escribí incluía el enlace de la 7ma ascepción de la palabra elemento que ofrece la pagina web de la REal Academia Española,

bueno, cuando lo mandé me salió un mensaje que dice que el mensaje va a ser leído para verificar con antelación si el contenido es apropiado...

estoy aprendiendo, estas interrupciones crean más confusión.

cuando hay interrupciones a mensajes serios, esto resulta en una gran pérdida de tiempo.

Espero comprender mejor.

Paz siempre,
viveka
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Old April 28, 2008, 09:40 PM
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Quote:
bueno, cuando lo mandé me salió un mensaje que dice que el mensaje va a ser leído para verificar con antelación si el contenido es apropiado...
Una disculpa. Es parte del programa que un nuevo usuario que tiene menos de 10 mensajes (10 posts). Entonces, si lo que escribiste contiene un enlace (tu pusiste un enlace a la RAE) y tienes menos de 10 posts, entonces el post es moderado. Cuando es moderado, nadie lo puede ver hasta que el administrador lo apruebe.

Pero ya pasaste de 10 mensajes-- ya tienes 11. (Lo puedes ver en la parte de arriba a la derecha de cada post.)

En cuanto al uso de elemento, es interesante. En México you can definitely use elemento in a positive sense.
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