trepador

15:18 Jun 18, 2008
Spanish to English translations [PRO]
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
Spanish term or phrase: trepador
a person who is always trying to "climb", not mountains but the ladder of success - or other "ladders". The word trepador has a negative connotation, I want to convey that. I can think of a "social climber" - any suggestions please?
cota


Summary of answers provided
4 +2go-getter
Comunican
4pushy
Comunican
4one who will do anything to get ahead
jack_speak


Discussion entries: 7





  

Answers


2 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
go-getter


Explanation:
that's what the dictionary says!

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Note added at 5 mins (2008-06-18 15:24:51 GMT)
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A go-getter is definitley positive (in my opinion) meaning someone who has lots of energy and drive and goes for things and is successful... I hope to be one some day! :-)

On the other hand, social climber is a bit slimy... Wikipedia: "A social climber is someone who seeks social prominence by obsequious behavior. Some define it as a parvenu, one who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class. The accusation of being a social climber would be considered an insult by most, suggesting that the accused has a poor work ethic or is disloyal to his roots."

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Note added at 9 mins (2008-06-18 15:28:16 GMT)
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one other option: you could say "he/she is a very ambitious/determined person"

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Note added at 34 mins (2008-06-18 15:53:45 GMT)
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Ref Jack Speak's comment, it may be a cultural thing. In UK, I wouldn't want to be called a social climber, it's rather calculating, cold, manipulative - as I said, somewhat slimy. And pretty shallow.

In addition to the Wikipedia reference, there is www.Answers.com: "One who strives for acceptance in fashionable society."

Also, this from The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | Date: 2008: "so·cial climb·er • n. derog. a person who is eager to gain a higher social status"

By contrast, a go-getter is ambitious, determined, positive attitude. For me, at least, something positive.

Comunican
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:11
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 16

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  jack_speak: I agree with Oxford - "social climber" is a neutral term meaning wanting success/ambitious/eager. I think the asker is looking for a term that includes the negative aspect in it. Of course, if we had the context we could help better.
36 mins
  -> oh, maybe I have misunderstood - I thought the asker wanted a positive answer

agree  María Angélica Fernández: From Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary: go-getter noun(informal) a person who is determined to succeed, especially in business.
2 hrs

agree  Carla_am
1 day 13 hrs
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43 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
pushy


Explanation:
if you want a negative connotation of someone who is ambitious, this will do.
If you a negative, pleas see my other entry!

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Note added at 44 mins (2008-06-18 16:03:35 GMT)
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"pushy person"

OK, I'm going back to my own work now LOL!

Comunican
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:11
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 16
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
one who will do anything to get ahead


Explanation:
I cannot think of a simple noun to substitute for trepador. Normally we would use the whole phrase "do anything to get ahead" in this context, from what I can tell.

This is my best guess without the context.

Best of luck.

jack_speak
Local time: 06:11
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 26
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