espigarse

Espigarse is a regional and informal Spanish verb that appears primarily in spoken language and is not widely attested in standard dictionaries. It is the reflexive form of espigar, a verb whose core meaning is to glean or to pick ears of grain, but in many dialects espigarse has developed additional, nonstandard senses. Because of regional variation, there is no single universally accepted definition.

In common regional usage, espigarse can refer to several related ideas. One sense is to straighten or elongate the body, effectively standing taller or posing, often with a view to look more confident or presentable. A second frequent sense is to squeeze into or push one's way into a space, such as a crowded area or a line. A third, more general sense is to prepare oneself for an upcoming task or situation, similar to bracing or getting ready. The exact shade of meaning often depends on the speaker and the context, and the term can carry humorous or informal connotations.

Examples of usage are limited and informal. A speaker might say someone “se espigó para llamar la atención en la foto” to indicate the person stood tall or posed to be noticed, or “intentó espigarse entre la multitud para conseguir un asiento” to describe squeezing through people to find a seat. Given its regional nature, espigarse is typically avoided in formal writing, where espigar or other standard verbs would be preferred.

Etymology traces back to espiga (ear of corn, spike), with the reflexive form extending the action to the subject. See also espigar and espiga.