Spanish word

pillo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpiʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrascal

Example

¡Qué pillo!

What a rascal!

Illustration for pillo (rascal)

More examples

Es un pillo que siempre sonríe.

He's a rascal who always smiles.

Core concept

Cheeky child hiding a friend's pencil and grinning.

Common phrases

  • un pillo

    a rascal

  • hacer el pillo

    act like a rascal

Similar words

pillín: Little mischievous child who delights in harmless pranks and teasing.
pícaro: Cunning, roguish person who uses cleverness and sly tricks to get ahead.
granuja: Petty scoundrel who causes trouble through minor mischief or light wrongdoing.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que muestra astucia para engañar o aprovecharse de forma juguetona, sin intención de causar daño grave.

Word origin

Historically tied to Romance words for rogues and influenced by pillar ('to catch'), the term centers on mischievous cleverness without grave harm.

Usage tips

  • Pillo is colloquial and playful, while pícaro is more literary and can suggest a rougher or more roguish character.

Other meanings

  • slyadjective
  • cheekyadjective

Opposites

  • ángelitolittle angelnoun

Related words

  • pillínlittle rascalnoun
  • pillarseget caughtverb

Word lists with this word