The word rollo in Spanish is one of the most polysemic words in the colloquial and informal register. There are many idiomatic expressions that use this word. But what is the original meaning of this term?

Rollo comes from the Latin rotulus (rounded stone instrument or roller), and this, from rota (wheel). According to the Real Academia de la Lengua, un rollo is a “cylinder of wood, metal or other material, generally hard”. In the kitchen or bathroom we usually use a roll of paper, we can make a roll of meat to eat or develop a roll of photographic film. However, today we are going to look at other uses of the word rollo in Spanish in colloquial situations.

Studying Spanish Is Not Un Rollo

When a task is too tedious or a television program is boring, we say es un rollo. Thus, for many young people, learning Maths es un rollo, listening to classical music es un rollo, or having a conversation with their parents at lunchtime es un rollo.

In addition to the word rollo in Spanish, we find other variants to emphasize its meaning, such as: rollazo. When someone tells you that your plan for tonight es un rollazo, you better look for a plan B.

Para mí, hacer ejercicios de verbos es un rollo; yo prefiero las clases de conversación.

This Word Me Da Buen Rollo

The word rollo in Spanish can also be positive. If a person gives you a good vibe, you can say that he or she te da buen rollo. Of course, if we use it in its negative form, we express that something or someone causes you concern or fear.

Likewise, if a person va de buen rollo, it means that they have a positive and friendly attitude, therefore, it will be easy to have a good relationship with them.

He conocido a una profesora fantástica en Spanishviaskype.com. Siempre va de buen rollo y eso a mí me da buen rollo para aprender más.

 

The Word Rollo in Spanish for Individualistic People

With the word rollo in Spanish we can describe a person who is too individualistic, who does not integrate into a conversation or who makes alternative plans to those of his or her group of friends or family; we say that this person always va a su rollo.

It is even possible that we do not like what that person does; that is, no nos gusta su rollo.

Ya no llamo más a Luis, siempre va a su rollo y no cuenta con nosotros. Además, últimamente no me gusta su rollo, creo que está metido en algo turbio.

The Word Rollo In Spanish: The Verb Enrollarse

Previously we have seen the use of the word rollo in Spanish as a noun. However, we can also use the verb enrollarse, with different meanings.

When two people like each other very much, they can enrollarse one night. The level of “enrollamiento” is not very specific, as it ranges from a few kisses to ending up in a full-blown sexual relationship.

Yo pensaba que Ana y Carlos había roto, pero ayer se enrollaron en el pub.

However, this verb does not always have a sexual component. A person can enrollarse with another person when they are willing to accept a suggestion.

Este finde nos vamos a la montaña; ¿por qué no te vienes con nosotros? ¡Anda, enróllate!

Enrollado: The Adjective We All Want to Be

In addition to the noun and verb, the word rollo in Spanish can also take its adjective form in colloquial language. An person who is enrollada is cool, and, in less idiomatic words, very sociable and fun.

Mi profe de español es muy enrollado; siempre me enseña expresiones idiomáticas.

As you can see, Spanish is a muy enrollado language. From Spanishviaskype.com we hope that no te dé mal rollo learning our language with a teacher via Skype, because no es un rollo. Also, we do not advise you to study Spanish a tu rollo. Look for a qualified teacher who, at the same time, is very friendly.