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  #11  
Old August 20, 2009, 08:42 AM
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When we say (slang):'Este tío es una alhaja', we mean exactly the opposite: a bum, a loser...
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  #12  
Old August 20, 2009, 08:46 AM
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Actually, we say the same thing in English. "That guy is a gem!" Depending on the TONE (which is of utmost importance for this phrase), it could either mean (1) that the guy is truly a fabulous and wonderful person, or (2) that the guy is such a loser that you need a euphemism to describe him....
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  #13  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:03 AM
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Also the jewelry are used in the piropos toward the woman.

I mean, if you are crossing the street and, I see you, therefore I can tell you. ( Eres una joya)
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Old August 20, 2009, 09:07 AM
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Joya is used in Chile.
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  #15  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:08 AM
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Thanks, Hernan! (And Poli....)
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  #16  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laepelba View Post
I was wondering about that. In the Rosetta Stone for LATIN AMERICAN Spanish, they also use "joya" for jewelry. How about those of you from Latin American countries. Which word is more common?
Please excuse me for butting in!!
In Britain we have a different word for jewelry. It is jewellery!
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  #17  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by María José View Post
When we say (slang):'Este tío es una alhaja', we mean exactly the opposite: a bum, a loser...
I like that!

On the risk of being offtopic a bit (kindly indulge me ):

The word 'tío' is quite frequently used for 'that guy' i.e. in popular way.
I don't think I have seen 'tía' used as frequently in this kind of context? Is there a good female equivalent for it?
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  #18  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brute View Post
Please excuse me for butting in!!
In Britain we have a different word for jewelry. It is jewellery!
You Brits have weird spellings!

Quote:
Originally Posted by EmpanadaRica View Post
I like that!

On the risk of being offtopic a bit (kindly indulge me ):

The word 'tío' is quite frequently used for 'that guy' i.e. in popular way.
I don't think I have seen 'tía' used as frequently in this kind of context? Is there a good female equivalent for it?
I'm SO glad that you said that, because I was wondering why someone would talk about their uncle like that. Haha!! Is this a Spain-Spanish thing, or something that is used all over the Spanish-speaking world?
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  #19  
Old August 20, 2009, 09:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laepelba View Post
I'm SO glad that you said that, because I was wondering why someone would talk about their uncle like that. Haha!! Is this a Spain-Spanish thing, or something that is used all over the Spanish-speaking world?
Haha.. Well I confess it had me confused in the beginning as well!
It sounded strange to me..I'm used to it now.

Yes I think it's used quite often in Castillian (Spain) Spanish, I have seen and heard it used in quite a few contexts. But this question can probably be answered better by María Jose, Irmamar or Sosia.

I'm not sure about the frequency of its use in Latin American countries.
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  #20  
Old August 20, 2009, 10:00 AM
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Tío in Spain is like bloke in England. Most Americans will understand the word bloke but never use it unless they want to sound British. Most latinos understand tío to mean guy/bloke, but don't use it because it sounds continental. From what I can tell, to latinos tio means uncle y nada más sino en Peru donde tío significa vejestorio.
En Puerto Rico no usan alaja en un modo despectivo, pero perla es la palabra.
Este hombre es una perla.--is no compliment.
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