ridículos

Ridículos is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe things that provoke laughter because they are absurd, poorly conceived, or exaggerated. As an adjective, ridículo in the singular or ridículos in the masculine plural agrees with the noun it modifies, for example, una idea ridícula or ideas ridículas. As a noun, ridículo can refer to ridicule or to the state of being ridiculous, though use as a noun is less common than the adjectival form.

Etymology and history: The word derives from Latin ridiculus, a diminutive of rīdere, “to laugh.” Through Latin, it entered the Romance languages retaining the core sense of something laughable or worthy of mockery. Over time, it has acquired shades of meaning ranging from merely humorous to pejorative, depending on context and tone.

Usage and domains: In everyday speech, ridículo describes things and behaviors that appear foolish or implausible. Spanish examples: “Las teorías conspirativas resultan ridículas,” “Qué argumentos tan ridículos.” In Portuguese, similar constructions occur, such as “comportamentos ridículos” or “uma ideia ridícula.” In addition to describing objects and ideas, ridículo can function as a noun in some contexts to denote ridicule itself or absurdity, although this use is more common in literary or critical writing.

Connotation and nuance: The term often carries a negative or humorous charge, influenced by speaker intention, audience, and cultural context. It can be used critically to challenge weak reasoning, or playfully to tease someone’s exaggerated claims.