Handcuffs
I searched on the dictionary for the word "Handcuffs" and got 'esposas'. I Assume the dictionary on this site is pretty accurate, but could there be another word used for handcuffs that isn't the same word for spouse or wife in spanish? Or, is there a word more commonly used? Thanks.
8 Answers
I'm sure there are a few Spanish puns floating around about this....
(Although I remember a guy in some podcast saying that the 'Spanish' don't really 'do' puns)'
Although the word 'esposas? means 'wives? it's the right translation for 'handcuffs'. Keep in mind that you should use this word always in plural. The word 'esposa? in singular only has one meaning: wife.
That's the word I have always heard. It is very common.
Esposas it is very common but can be named grilletes.
how interesting.
At wedding receptions, etc., you will often hear a joke about the "old ball and chain", meaning the husband is being tied down. Funny similarity!
Cultural note: the word "esposa" comes from "spendo", which used to mean "commitment" (commercial contract), and later "engagement" with a similar meaning for the union between husband (esposo) and wife (esposa). Wives used to stand with her hands crossed in front of her during the marriage ceremony, exactly in the same posture prisoners are handcuffed, and the people in the Middle Ages couldn't help being funny and noticing the similitude between the posture and the 'lack of freedom' that this commitment meant.
Thanks
