Meaning
To behave in a wild or irrational manner.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this is one of the most common idioms. It reflects a culture that values humor and doesn't mind a bit of 'locura' (craziness) in social settings. While understood in Mexico, you might also hear 'estar loco de remate' or 'estar zafado.' 'Estar como una cabra' sounds slightly more European Spanish to Mexican ears. In Argentina, 'estar del tomate' or 'estar chapita' are common local equivalents for being crazy.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'cabra' is always feminine. Don't try to make it 'cabro' for men!
Context Matters
Only use this with people you know well. It's friendly, but still means 'crazy'.
Meaning
To behave in a wild or irrational manner.
Gender Neutrality
Remember that 'cabra' is always feminine. Don't try to make it 'cabro' for men!
Context Matters
Only use this with people you know well. It's friendly, but still means 'crazy'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Mis amigos _______ como una cabra.
We use 'están' because 'mis amigos' is third-person plural and the idiom requires 'estar'.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about a man named Juan:
The idiom uses 'estar' and the feminine 'una cabra' regardless of the subject's gender.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Select the best context:
This idiom is for funny, eccentric, and informal situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Viste a María? Se tiñó el pelo de verde y azul. B: Sí, ¡_______!
This is the standard idiomatic response to eccentric behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Estar como una cabra'
Good Situations
- • Parties
- • With friends
- • Funny stories
Bad Situations
- • Job interviews
- • Doctor visits
- • Formal speeches
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMis amigos _______ como una cabra.
We use 'están' because 'mis amigos' is third-person plural and the idiom requires 'estar'.
Talking about a man named Juan:
The idiom uses 'estar' and the feminine 'una cabra' regardless of the subject's gender.
Select the best context:
This idiom is for funny, eccentric, and informal situations.
A: ¿Viste a María? Se tiñó el pelo de verde y azul. B: Sí, ¡_______!
This is the standard idiomatic response to eccentric behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsGenerally no, it's considered a lighthearted and funny way to describe someone's eccentricities.
Yes! It's very common to say 'Estoy como una cabra' when you do something silly.
Yes, it becomes 'están como cabras' (they are like goats).
Related Phrases
Estar como un cencerro
synonymTo be crazy (like a cowbell).
Estar como una regadera
synonymTo be crazy (like a watering can).
Faltarle un tornillo
similarTo have a screw loose.
