English Anglicisms in Spanish: How Technology and Pop Culture Are Changing the Language
By Lingobi · Published on 03/17/2025
Spanish is a rich and evolving language, but like many languages, it has absorbed words from English over time. These borrowed words, known as anglicisms, are commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in areas influenced by technology, pop culture, and business. If you've ever heard someone say "Voy a hacer un zoom" instead of "Voy a hacer una videollamada," you've encountered an anglicism in action.
Common English Anglicisms in Spanish
Some English words have integrated into Spanish so deeply that many people don’t realize their origins. Here are some of the most commonly used anglicisms:
1. Marketing – Instead of "mercadotecnia," many Spanish speakers simply say "marketing."
2. Streaming – Used for online media consumption, as in "Estoy viendo una serie en streaming."
3. Email – Rather than "correo electrónico," many just say "Mándame un email."
4. Chat – Commonly used instead of "charlar" or "conversación en línea."
5. Smartphone – Often used instead of "teléfono inteligente."
6. Password – Many say "password" instead of "contraseña."
7. Link – Used instead of "enlace" when referring to website links.
8. Podcast – This English term has no widely used Spanish equivalent.
9. Spoiler – Instead of "adelanto" or "destripe," many use "spoiler."
10. Fitness – Often replaces "buena forma física" in conversations about exercise.
11. Ticket – Many Spanish speakers use "ticket" instead of "boleto" or "entrada."
12. Fashion – Used instead of "moda," especially in influencer and style contexts.
13. Reality Show – Instead of "programa de telerrealidad."
14. CEO – Many use "CEO" instead of "director ejecutivo."
15. Online – Used instead of "en línea" when referring to digital activities.
16. Casting – Frequently replaces "audición" in entertainment industries.
17. Brunch – More commonly used instead of "almuerzo tardío."
18. Banner – Instead of "cartel" or "pancarta," especially in digital marketing.
19. Streaming – A second mention, since it dominates media consumption conversations.
20. Startup – Used instead of "empresa emergente."
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Why Are Anglicisms So Common?
The rise of the internet, social media, and global business has accelerated the adoption of English terms in Spanish. In tech industries, for example, professionals in Queens, New York, or Latin America often prefer "software" over "programa," or "password" over "contraseña." This trend is not limited to technology; entertainment and sports also contribute anglicisms, like "spoiler" for "adelanto" or "fitness" instead of "buena forma física."
Should You Use Anglicisms?
Some purists argue that anglicisms weaken the Spanish language, but others see them as a natural part of linguistic evolution. If you're learning Spanish, understanding these borrowed words can help you communicate more naturally, especially in business or tech settings. However, it's still useful to know the original Spanish terms when appropriate.
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