el novillo
steer
Definition & meaning
The word "novillo" primarily refers to a young bull, typically between two and three years old. In the context of bullfighting, a "novillada" is an event where these younger bulls are fought by "novilleros," who are aspiring bullfighters who have not yet attained the rank of "matador."
Additionally, the word is central to the popular Spanish idiom "hacer novillos." This expression means to skip school, classes, or work without a valid excuse, similar to the English phrase "to play hooky." This figurative use likely stems from the idea of young cattle wandering away from the herd.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a masculine noun (el novillo). Its plural form is "novillos."
Regarding its etymology, "novillo" comes from the Latin word "novellus," which is a diminutive of "novus," meaning "new." This reflects the animal's status as a young or "new" bull. The transition from "novellus" to "novillo" follows standard phonetic evolution patterns from Latin to Spanish.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: ternero (usually refers to a younger calf) becerro (a calf, typically under two years old) eral (a two-year-old bovine) utrero (a three-year-old bovine)
Antonyms: toro (a fully mature adult bull) vaca (an adult female cow) buey (an ox or castrated male used for labor)
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Examples
El novillo come pasto.noun
The steer eats grass.
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