Sometimes literal translations just don't work, and this is one of those times, so we won't even try.
Let's start with "traes". The verb is traer, which means "to bring". Sometimes traer can be used as a synonym of tener. I discussed this in a previous post, and you can read about it here if you like. With that in mind, we can translate "traes" as something to the effect of "you bring" or "you have".
"Mucho" should need no translation, unless you're an absolute newbie to Spanish, but just in case, it means " a lot".
"pegue" comes from pegar, meaning to hit. But since the literal translation doesn't work in this case, just file that bit of information away for some other time.
In this case, we have to look at "pegue" in combination with tener or traer. So the key to understanding this phrase lies in understanding the phrase "tener pegue" or "traer pegue". We're going to talk about "tener pegue", because that's actually the phrase, just keep in mind that you may also hear "traer pegue".
OK, I've drawn this out long enough, let's get to the point. (ir al grano)
"Tener pegue" means to have sex appeal, or charm if you like. It means you've got a way with the opposite sex.
So if someone tells you "Tienes mucho pegue", well, lift your head up high and smile, because they just gave you a very nice compliment. Especially if it comes from a person you're trying to "ligar" (hook up) with.
Tienes (traes) mucho pegue
You got a lot of sex appeal
I've yet to hear this phrase directed at me, but perhaps you all have better luck and more "pegue" than me.
If you want some extra credit, or perhaps a little advice on how improve your sex appeal, check out the link below to get some consejos (advice).
http://guilleybruno.guateblogger.com/2009/10/tips-para-tener-pegue.html
¡Hasta la próxima!
This was definitely interesting! And I love it when you post links. I have a question for you. I was observing a bilingual class today (kindergarten) for the teaching program I'm in, and we were reading Los Tres Cerditos. One of the boys started yelling "mala cola, mala cola!" during the part when the wolf goes down the chimney (I think). Any idea what that could mean?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hannah
Hi Hannah, I poked around a bit at WordReference, and here's what they had to say (so far):
ReplyDeleteHe was probably saying "mala loba" = "bad wolf" (female)
lobo = wolf (male)
loba - wolf (female)
Sounds plausible.
Anyway, you can follow the thread at this link:
http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?p=9154600
Ah, okay. I could've sworn I heard cola several times, but you're probably right. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteare you hispanic?
ReplyDeleteHi Maria,
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm not hispanic, but I do my do best to fake it. :>)
Jajaja! Eres mexicano y lo sabes!
DeletePegue means work. "Traes mucho pegue" literally means you're hard to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIn other context; like "voy al pegue" would mean "I'm going to work"
This is very interesting. What country use pegue to mean work?
DeleteYou are trying to say "jale" aren't you? Well, at least this is how mexican northern people says "work"
ReplyDeleteHi Paulatte, thanks for you comment. I've always heard chamba to refer to work, so using jale in that context is new to me.
DeleteThis makes sense “traes pegue” refers to sex appeal.
ReplyDeleteLa chamba and el Jale is same thing refers to work depending the state in Mexico people are from.