Today's Word: "El derroche"

Question

I'm a little confused about today's word, "el derroche". The translation is given as "waste, squandering, profusion, abundance..." and the sample sentence "Su arte es un derroche de talento" is translated as "Her art is a great display of talent." But, given the translation, couldn't it also mean, "Her art is a waste of talent?" Completely opposite meanings - and how could one tell which was meant?

Answer 1

The seemingly contradictory uses may have to be gleaned from context. Think of it similar to how we use phrases in English both literally and satirically to have opposite meanings.

You're doing great!

You're doing great! (with a roll of the eyes)

The RAE dictionary seems to lack the positive attributes.

derrochar.

(Del fr. dérocher, der. de roche).

1. tr. Dicho de una persona: Malgastar su dinero o hacienda.

2. tr. Dicho de una persona: Emplear excesivamente otras cosas que posee, como el valor, las energías, el humor, etc.

3. tr. ant. derrocar (? derribar a alguien).

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Reading it without further context, I would have gone with your second interpretation of the sentence. (waste of talent or that she was showing off her talent)

You might wish to check this thread on the Word of the Day and see if the word is being used negatively or positively.

Answer 2

Yes, I was having a problem with that also. The explanation does help a little, although I do think we use it mostly in a negative sense.

Answer 3

Great Nimrod for bringing that up - I was still pondering this word and trying to remember if I had ever heard it in the positive way. I know I have heard it used many times in the negative. As far as your sentence ** "Su arte es un derroche de talento"** without knowing what I know now I would have for sure translated that as 'a waste of talent'. Very, very interesting point.