aficionado

 
Pronunciation: /əˌfɪsjəˈnɑːdəʊ, -ˌfɪʃjə-/

noun (plural aficionados)

  • a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime: a crossword aficionado

Origin:

mid 19th century (denoting a devotee of bullfighting): from Spanish, 'amateur', past participle of aficioner 'become fond of' used as a noun, based on Latin affectio(n-) '(favourable) disposition towards' (see affection)

Spelling help

Spell aficionado with one f and -cio- in the middle; it is a Spanish word.