matador

Everyday

1. A matador is the main bullfighter in a Spanish-style bullfight, the person who tries to kill the bull with a sword. tree →
2. The word comes from Spanish and means "killer". tree →

In the lessons

In geography and culture lessons about Spain, bullfighting is a very old tradition that many people now oppose as cruel to animals; it is banned in some regions and countries. Matadors wear a sparkly "suit of lights" and wave a red cape (muleta). In stories, a matador is a picture of bravery or showing off. Phrases: «the matador's red cape», «matador and bull», «like a matador» (dodging neatly).

Examples

• The matador waved his red cape at the bull. tree →
• Many people protest against bullfights because the bull is hurt and killed. tree →
• The matador wore a glittering costume. tree →
• Dodging the tacklers like a matador, he scored a try. tree →
• Bullfighting is banned in some parts of Spain. tree →
• The crowd cheered the matador. tree →

Note

Plural: «matadors». Myth: the bull is not angry at the colour red — bulls cannot see red well; it is the cape's movement that makes it charge. A «toreador» is an older word for a bullfighter (from the opera Carmen).