How to Discuss Geese

[Sancho Panther]

When socializing and conversing with one's Spanish friends and the subject turns towards geese (as it almost invariably does) what is the correct way to refer to these creatures? My dictionary offers three translations, ánsar, ganso and oca, which of these is least likely to cause offence in polite society?

[Rusty]

Ganso is the only word I've heard commonly used. (And you run in different circles than I do. )

[Sancho Panther]

Originally Posted by Rusty

(And you run in different circles than I do. )

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

In my circle of friends, the subject rarely turns towards geese.

[Sancho Panther]

Clearly you and I move in very different social circles.

(To quote Oscar Wilde.)

[poli]

I have seen the word oca, but ganso is the most common term, at least in Latin America.

[Manuel]

According to the dictionary of the Real Academia Española "oca" refers to a domestic goose, generally completely white. And "ganso" to a goose with basically grey plumage. "ánsar" comes from the latin "anser" so that's probably a more formal word for goose.

Hope this helps.

[Sancho Panther]

Sí, muy bien. ¡Gracias!

[JPablo]

Take into account too, that "ganso" has other meanings.

DRAE:
2. m. Hombre tardo, perezoso, descuidado. U. t. c. adj. 3. m. Hombre malcriado, torpe, incapaz. U. t. c. adj.
4. m. Hombre patoso, que presume de chistoso y agudo, sin serlo. U. t. c. adj.


Also in Cuba, "ganso" means "gay", ie. homosexual...


"No hagas el ganso" is a common Mom's rejoinder to some "joke" or some mischievous action...



Saludos.