The Post-Lady

The Post-Lady
 

My wife was half-expecting a letter this morning, I saw the post-lady walk past the window; so I said "Acaba de pasar la cartera". "¿Qué dices? ¿Qué quiere decir 'cartera'? ¡No he oido tal cosa en la vida - esa palabra no existe!".

There then followed a fairly brief (but heated) argument about the merits or otherwise of "cartera". ¿Quién tuvo razón?

Cartero/a is listed in all dictionaries I consult as the term for a postman/postwoman (postlady) (AmE: mailman/mailwoman) or a post/mail/letter carrier.

I also know that cartera is a bag or item used to carry money (billfold, (money) purse, etc.).

Anyway, the word cartera most certainly exists.

My wife is Española - I am English - in differences of opinion on matters of Spanish vocabulary/grammar I am not permitted to be right even if I can quote the RAE. She however has the inalienable right to mangle English to her hearts content as it a stupid and illogical language anyway!

She may have a point!

Many Spanish speakers are bothered by some occupations being expressed in feminine, but it's more a matter of usage than language correction. :D

If you want to avoid an argument next time, you may say "la empleada del correo". ;)

I'll just say "Post-woman" - it's easier, and less controversial!

Did your wife suggest the proper word?