Muelle as a synonym for cómodo

Question

I know it means pier, heard that use, but our dictionary also says "comfortable easy going" (vida) like, la vida muelle = the easy life.

Is it a straight synonym for cómodo as well? Gracias.

Answer 1

As an adjective, the RAE gives this definition for muelle:

1. adj. Delicado, suave, blando.

So, it is not really a synonym for "easy", but rather "soft". I personally have never heard this word used this way, but who am I to argue with the RAE?

It apparently comes from a completely different etymology than the word that means "pier".

Answer 2

Well, not for me. It's the first time I see about "la vida muelle". I just say "la vida fácil, cómoda o relajada".

Answer 3

I ask because our dictionary lists that as the first definition, muelle: easy, comfortable. At this point I'm about ready to write off our dictionary here as incomprehensible gibberish that looks similar to Spanish but is in fact, simply words lumped together in a random order.