Jugársela

[funkcanna]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone can explain the meaning of the word "jugársela" and where it comes from - i.e. is it a verb or something else?

Thank you!

[Perikles]

It derives from the verb jugar. If the verb is reflexive or pronomial with se, the se is tagged on the end of the infinitive, but not on finite parts of the verb. Then comes a definite article la.

jugarse = to gamble (away)
se lo jugó todo = he staked everything.
jugarse la vida = to risk one's neck

[funkcanna]

Thanks!

[aleCcowaN]

"Jugarsela" is one of many cases of a verb which includes a lexicalised pronoun. "La" doesn't refer to any "it" having feminine gender. In fact you don't need any "it" in the sentence, but still is "jugarsela". This implies that the verb has a special meaning here: "to take one's chances, even if the situation is clearly unfavourable" (sort of you shout "Geronimo" and spur forward, and may it be God's will -so to speak-)