Meaning
To feel awkward or embarrassed, especially as an adolescent.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'la edad del pavo' is almost a rite of passage. It is discussed openly in media and families, often with a sense of 'we've all been there'. It is less about rebellion and more about the 'silliness' of the age. While understood, Mexicans might also use 'la edad de la punzada' (the age of the sting/prick) to describe the same period, focusing more on the sudden 'stings' of emotion or hormones. In Argentina, 'pavo' can often mean 'idiot' or 'silly' in a more general sense (e.g., '¡No seas pavo!'). However, 'la edad del pavo' remains the standard term for adolescence. In Chile, 'pavo' is frequently used to describe someone who is 'distraído' (distracted) or slow to understand things, which overlaps with the teenage 'clumsiness' of the original idiom.
Use it for giggles
If you're an adult and you can't stop laughing at something silly, say 'Perdón, me ha entrado el pavo'. It's a great way to apologize while being charming.
Don't use with your boss
Even if your boss is acting silly, telling them they 'have the turkey' is too informal and could be seen as disrespectful.
Meaning
To feel awkward or embarrassed, especially as an adolescent.
Use it for giggles
If you're an adult and you can't stop laughing at something silly, say 'Perdón, me ha entrado el pavo'. It's a great way to apologize while being charming.
Don't use with your boss
Even if your boss is acting silly, telling them they 'have the turkey' is too informal and could be seen as disrespectful.
The Blushing Connection
Remember the turkey's red neck! If someone is blushing, this phrase is 100% appropriate.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Mi sobrina tiene 14 años y siempre se ríe por nada; está en plena ______ del pavo.
'La edad del pavo' is the standard noun phrase for this life stage.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a fit of giggles?
Ayer en clase...
'Entrar el pavo' is the common way to describe a sudden onset of giggles.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'pavo'.
Situación: Un chico de 15 años se pone muy rojo cuando una chica le saluda.
Blushing and shyness in a teen is the classic definition of 'tener el pavo'.
Complete the dialogue between two parents.
Padre A: 'Nuestro hijo no quiere venir a cenar con nosotros.' Padre B: 'No te preocupes, es que ______.'
The full idiom 'tiene el pavo' is needed here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tener vs. Hacer vs. Ser
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi sobrina tiene 14 años y siempre se ríe por nada; está en plena ______ del pavo.
'La edad del pavo' is the standard noun phrase for this life stage.
Ayer en clase...
'Entrar el pavo' is the common way to describe a sudden onset of giggles.
Situación: Un chico de 15 años se pone muy rojo cuando una chica le saluda.
Blushing and shyness in a teen is the classic definition of 'tener el pavo'.
Padre A: 'Nuestro hijo no quiere venir a cenar con nosotros.' Padre B: 'No te preocupes, es que ______.'
The full idiom 'tiene el pavo' is needed here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Even though 'pavo' is masculine, the idiom 'tener el pavo' applies to everyone regardless of gender.
Not usually. It's teasing and informal, but not a swear word or a harsh insult. It's more like calling someone 'silly'.
'Tener' is a state you are in (usually involuntary), while 'hacer' is an action you perform (acting like a fool on purpose).
No, it's figurative. It means you are *acting* like the stereotypical behavior of a turkey (blushing, making noise).
Yes, you could say 'estar en la adolescencia' or 'atravesar una etapa de inmadurez'.
Yes, but it is most common in Spain. In Latin America, you might hear 'la edad de la punzada' or just 'la adolescencia'.
Yes, adding 'un' or 'mucho' (e.g., 'tengo un pavo encima') emphasizes how strong the feeling is.
Because turkeys have the specific physical trait of their skin changing color when their emotions change.
90% of the time, yes. The other 10% is for adults having a fit of 'risa floja' (silly giggles).
'La edad del pavo' is the most natural translation for 'awkward phase'.
Related Phrases
hacer el pavo
similarTo act silly or show off in a foolish way.
ser un pavo
specialized formTo be a fool or a clueless person.
la edad del pavo
builds onThe awkward age (adolescence).
risa floja
synonymUncontrollable giggling.
