Scapegoat - fall guy - Cabeza de turco - chivo expiatorio

Question

I learned chivo expiatorio a long time ago and it is obviously similar to the word, we use in the UK scapegoat or to scapegoat. Fall guy has become more popular, though patsie is still thought of as more American.

I came across 'cabeza de turco' in an article I read last week. I know it means the same. Is it only used in Spain? How popular is chivo expiatro in Spain?

Did you mean, "expiatorio?" - rac1, Oct 8, 2017

Yes I was using my tablet with autocorrect. The title s correct - Mardle, Oct 8, 2017

find another article, not about Spain this time - 006595c6, Oct 8, 2017

Answer 1

Both chivo expiatorio and cabeza de turco are used in my country.

Muchas gracias Polenta. Thanks for answering. I don't think anyone else can be bothered but I will ask my teacher from Madrid who has also worked on the States. - Mardle, Oct 10, 2017

I think "chivo expiatorio" is probably the most common expression for all Spanish speaking countries. - Gekkosan, Oct 10, 2017

OK - Mardle, Oct 11, 2017

Answer 2

If anyone asks, just say "Billygoat" did it. He's used to it.

Ok thanks for joining in! Will do. - Mardle, Oct 10, 2017

Answer 3

Veamos, ya veo que aprovechas cualquier oportunidad para hablar de España y Cataluña.

Si encuentras otro hilo, bien, por que el hilo que has añadido no lo vas a usar. ¡Ya está bien!

Answer 4

If anyone asks, just say "Billygoat" did it. He's used to it.

I second that!

Answer 5

Here's another meaning of scapegoat from this page: pagar el pato; pagar los cristales rotos.

It's true. We use these expressions a lot. - polenta1, Oct 8, 2017

"Pagar los platos rotos" also. - 00fac92a, Oct 8, 2017

Not quite the question but thank you for answering and Guillermo's insight. - Mardle, Oct 10, 2017