Esparramarse

Esparramarse is a Spanish verb with both literal and figurative meanings. In its most basic sense, it means to spread out or scatter over a surface or area, or to disperse items. For example, “Las hojas se esparramaron por el jardín” describes leaves spread across the garden. It can also refer to a disorderly distribution of objects, as in “el papel esparramado por la mesa.”

A second, common use is to describe a person’s posture or position: to lie or sit with limbs extended in a loose, sprawled way. In this sense, “se esparrama” conveys a relaxed, a veces improductive, actitud of spreading oneself out; for instance, “Se esparramó en el sofá” or “se esparramó sobre la hierba.”

Figuratively, esparramarse can refer to ideas, news, or elements spreading widely and chaotically. A typical example is “la noticia se esparramó por la ciudad,” indicating rapid and broad diffusion.

Grammatical notes: esparramarse is a regular -ar verb in its reflexive form. Common conjugations include me esparramos, te esparramas, se esparrama, y así sucesivamente. It is widely used in informal registers across many Spanish-speaking regions, including parts of Spain and Latin America. In non-reflexive form, esparrar also exists with meanings related to spreading or scattering, but esparramarse emphasizes the subject’s spread or the spread of objects or information.

Related terms include esparcir (to scatter, disperse) and extenderse (to extend, spread).