Pierna Vs Pata

Question

Is it true that Pierna is only associated with humans and Pata with non-humans?

Answer 1

Usually, but not always. Pierna de cordero is leg of lamb, while sometimes you'll hear someone refer informally to a human leg as a pata.

Thank you, as in any language grammar, that is the rule but there is an exception. - babalou, Jan 12, 2011

Answer 2

Bear in mind that terms that normally apply to animals can be applied with insulting/joking intent to humans. The French say "Bas le pates" ("pates" is a cognate of "patas") which is best translated as "Get your paws of of me!" (or, with context, "... off of her/etc.").

Answer 3

As KevinB said, in "correct" Spanish that is true.

However, in some regions rural people refer to their limb as a "pata". In Mexico, a "pata salada" is the expression referring to a person from Puerto Vallarta.

Also, "pata" refers to the leg of a piece of furniture.

Thank you, very enlightening. - babalou, Jan 12, 2011