golpazo

Golpazo is a Spanish noun and common slang term that denotes a very strong blow or impact, either literal or figurative. It is formed from golpe, meaning blow, with the augmentative suffix -azo, which intensifies the force of the hit or event.

The term originates in the same word family as golpe and is widely used in Spain and Latin America. It is informal and often employed in sports commentary, journalism, and everyday speech to convey the idea of a powerful punch, kick, or strike, as well as a dramatic, disruptive action or event.

In sports and media, golpazo typically describes a strikingly forceful contact that affects an opponent or the course of play, such as a “golpazo de derecha” in boxing or a hard shot that changes the momentum of a game. Figuratively, it can refer to a decisive move, a major setback, or a surprising outcome that has a strong impact on a situation.

Variants and nuance include using it as a noun (un golpazo) or as an exclamation (¡Qué golpazo!). It is often associated with intensity and can convey admiration or astonishment, though it remains informal and may be considered coarse in more formal contexts. Related terms include golpe (blow) and porrazo (a heavy hit), among others used to describe impact.

See also: golpe, porrazo, golpe de impacto.