noun

el cuero

leather

Material fuerte y flexible que se obtiene de la piel de algunos animales y se usa para hacer ropa, zapatos y bolsos.

Definition & meaning

The word cuero primarily refers to the skin of an animal that has been tanned or treated to be used as a material, known in English as leather. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of shoes, bags, jackets, and furniture.

Beyond its primary meaning as a material, it can also refer to:

Animal hide: The raw, unprocessed skin of an animal.
Nudity: In the common idiomatic expression en cueros , it means to be completely naked or "in one's birthday suit."
Human skin: In some regions, it is used colloquially or jokingly to refer to human skin, especially if it is tough or aged.
Slang: In certain Caribbean countries, such as the Dominican Republic, the word is used as a derogatory slang term for a prostitute. In other contexts, it might describe a person who is considered unattractive or old, though these uses are highly informal and can be offensive.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Cuero is a masculine noun. Its plural form is cueros.

Example: La chaqueta es de cuero. (The jacket is made of leather.)

Word origin: The word derives from the Latin term corium, which means "skin," "hide," or "outer shell." This Latin root is also the ancestor of the English word "corium" (a layer of the skin) and is related to the French "cuir."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Piel : While "piel" often refers to the living skin or fur, it is frequently used interchangeably with "cuero" when talking about leather products.
Pellejo : Usually refers to a raw hide or a wine skin; it can also be a colloquial way to say skin.
Cordobán : A specific type of high-quality goat leather.
Guadamecí : Specifically refers to embossed or decorated leather.

Antonyms: As "cuero" is a material, it does not have a direct opposite. However, in the context of the expression en cueros (naked), the opposites would be:

Vestido : Dressed.
Cubierto : Covered.