Meaning
To behave in a wild, silly, or irrational manner.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this is one of the most common idioms. It is often used with a smile. It reflects the rural history of the country where goats were a common sight. While understood, Mexicans might more frequently use 'estar loco' or 'estar zafado'. However, 'como una cabra' is still recognized due to Spanish media influence. In Argentina, you might hear 'estar del tomate' or 'estar rayado' as more local alternatives to express the same idea.
Use it for yourself!
If you make a mistake in Spanish, say '¡Perdón, estoy como una cabra!' to make people laugh and ease the tension.
Check your tone
If said with a harsh tone, it can be insulting. Keep it light and smiling.
Meaning
To behave in a wild, silly, or irrational manner.
Use it for yourself!
If you make a mistake in Spanish, say '¡Perdón, estoy como una cabra!' to make people laugh and ease the tension.
Check your tone
If said with a harsh tone, it can be insulting. Keep it light and smiling.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb for the idiom.
Mi amigo ______ como una cabra.
Idioms describing states or behaviors like this always use 'estar'.
Complete the phrase.
No sé qué le pasa a María, hoy está como una _______.
The specific animal used in this idiom is the goat (cabra).
In which situation is it appropriate to use this phrase?
Situation: You are at a formal dinner with the President.
This is a casual idiom for friends and family.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¡Voy a saltar desde el puente al río! B: ¡No lo hagas! ¡______ como una cabra!
You are talking to 'Tú', so you use 'estás'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Estar como una cabra'
Good Situations
- • Parties
- • Joking with friends
- • Funny mistakes
Bad Situations
- • Job interviews
- • Doctor visits
- • Funerals
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi amigo ______ como una cabra.
Idioms describing states or behaviors like this always use 'estar'.
No sé qué le pasa a María, hoy está como una _______.
The specific animal used in this idiom is the goat (cabra).
Situation: You are at a formal dinner with the President.
This is a casual idiom for friends and family.
A: ¡Voy a saltar desde el puente al río! B: ¡No lo hagas! ¡______ como una cabra!
You are talking to 'Tú', so you use 'estás'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsGenerally no, it's considered a lighthearted and funny idiom. However, don't use it for serious mental illness.
Yes! The phrase 'como una cabra' is fixed. You never say 'como un cabro'.
Change the verb: 'Ellos están como una cabra'. You don't usually pluralize 'cabra' here.
Related Phrases
Estar como un cencerro
synonymTo be like a cowbell.
Hacer la cabra
similarTo act like a goat (do something stupid).
Faltarle un tornillo
synonymTo be missing a screw.
