Can anyone help???

[lizzietish]

I have a "friend" from Peru who has called me "cuchillo" for many years. I know the word translates as "knife" into English - but I'm sure that there is some other connotation. Can anyone out there shed some light on this? Has my "friend" really been making fun of me all these years? No one has been able to answer this question for me - but after rummaging around this form - there must be someone out there who can help. I would be grateful. Thank you and have a great day.

[SandraT]

to be a "cuchillo" here in CUba means someone that is very objective but most of all, just like a knife, would cut off anything that this person doesn't like. For example, during a conversation, if something unpleasant is said, he/she would interrupt with straight and even harsh words if necessary.
Another meaning in sports, we say when a judge is a "cuchillo", this judge has taken side, so he's mean and tricky to the other team. Everytime he gives a score for this other team, he "cuts it down". So, he is a "cuchillero".
Anyway, this "cuchillo" may refer to many things, even your shape, if you are slim...you will have to ask directly to your friend!!

[mvictoria]

Thanks, Sandra! being from Argentina, I didn't know that other meaning of "cuchillo" in Cuba.
Very interesting!!

[lizzietish]

Sandra T, thank you for your interpretation - it is helpful. I have asked my friend on occasion what he meant by this nickname - he would never say, he would just smile mysteriously. I have always thought the term "cuchillo" had a double-edge to it - much like a knife. I am not an unpleasant person by nature, but I can be quite outspoken at times. I have always had the sense that my friend meant both sharp-tongued and sharp-witted, keen, etc...

Unfortunately, I am unable to ask my friend directly. And I may not see him again for a long time, if ever. But I believe he is in great need of a friend right now and would like to write to him. I just needed to know if this nickname was a downright insult - and I don't believe it is. I get the idea that it is simply a descriptive term in this case.

Thank you again for your help. If anyone else has any ideas, I would be interested in knowing what you think.

[SandraT]

Hey lizzietish, don't worry so much. Whatever your friend meant, I'm sure it's no harm to you. Being outspoken is not a bad characteristic, so, if your friend is in need, forget about it and just drop him a note and at the end you can even sign as "TU CUCHILLO" ...the one which will cut off all your worries and... I'm sure that he will appreciate it and for you, it'll all have a different meaning...
Good luck!

[Guadalupe]

Originally Posted by mvictoria

Thanks, Sandra! being from Argentina, I didn't know that other meaning of "cuchillo" in Cuba.
Very interesting!!

Neither did I!!

Thanks, Sandra!!! Now we know, MVictoria!

[lizzietish]

Sandra T, you are absolutely right - I should not worry so much. I just wanted to be sure that my letter would not be unwelcome. My friend and I have had some misunderstandings in the past due to our language differences. If only I could cut off all his worries - unfortunately I can't under the circumstances. But I can reach out in frienship and offer some comfort.

Thank you for your insight.