Esposas

[ninial]

Does 'esposas' really mean handcuffs as well as wifes? If so, how can you tell the difference?

[conejodescarado]

Haha, that's quite funny

It appears so. You'd have to determine the actual meaning based on the context in which the word was used. You're not likely to ask your handcuffs something, for example.

Also, in Spanish you'll place the "personal 'a'" before people, such as "esposas":

He encontrado las esposas (I've found the handcuffs)
He encontrado a las esposas (I've found the wives)

Really though, the context should be enough. There's a big difference between handcuffs and wives

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by conejodescarado

. There's a big difference between handcuffs and wives

Really?

Edit: I've searched for an etymology of esposas, and come up with

El nombre de esposa que se da a las manillas con que se aprisionan las muñecas de alguien es una metáfora que data de la Edad Media, por la cual se vinculan las ideas de matrimonio y de falta de libertad.

[aleCcowaN]

Otherwise, what would the wedding rings stand for?

EDIT: Centuries ago they though there was a vessel in the "ring" finger which went straight to the heart, so the hearts got shackled together.

[sosia]

Usually you can't mistake them, because one is singular (wife:esposa) and the other plural (handcuffs:esposas). Only certain public can speak about multiple wifes....

saludos

[Sancho Panther]

Originally Posted by sosia

Only certain public can speak about multiple wifes....

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

Or live in certain countries.

Pero me acuerda de una de las primeras chistes españolas que aprendí. Un monje conduce con mucha velocidad, y la poli le para. "Ay, señor, reconozco que no debí hacerlo, pero, por el amor de Dios, no me ponga esposas, tengo que cumplir con mis votos..."

[CrOtALiTo]

I have understood that handcuff means Esposas for other kind to esposas, they are for the thieves.

Sincerely yours.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

Really?

Edit: I've searched for an etymology of esposas, and come up with

Talking about the Middle Ages, then they should be know as "esposos".

[Elaina]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Talking about the Middle Ages, then they should be know as "esposos".

Agreed!

[sosia]

Originally Posted by Sancho Panther

Only certain people can speak about multiple wives, Sosia - and they'll end up in prison sooner or later! Unless of course they're oft remarried serial divorcees, or frequent widowers....

Thanks for the corrections.
As pjt33 says, some arab, mormon and african people can still be confused ...
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poligamia

saludos