Question 1

Doesn't encima usually mean literally "on top of"? How is it used here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, physically it means "on top". But as an additive connector, it translates to "on top of that" or "to make matters worse." It's used to add a new piece of information that escalates the argument. Here, it emphasizes the speaker's exasperation: not only is the show bad, but it also drains your wallet!

Question 2

Since this lesson is about argumentative connectors, could I swap encima for es más here?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the tone slightly. Encima is a perfect fit here because it carries a strong sense of exasperation or complaint. Es más means "furthermore" or "what's more"—it still escalates the argument, but it feels a bit more neutral and analytical compared to the annoyed, piling-on effect of encima.

Question 3

Is encima only ever used to stack negative complaints, like in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes, but not always! While encima is incredibly common for piling on negative traits or bad luck, native speakers also use it to stack positive surprises, much like "to top it all off": Es un gran tipo y, encima, es guapo (He's a great guy and, on top of that, he's handsome).

Question 4

Why does the sentence use es patético rather than está patético if a show is just a temporary event?

Accepted Answer

We use ser (in the form es) because being pathetic is presented as an inherent characteristic or defining quality of the show's content. Even though a show only lasts a few hours, when you are evaluating its overall essential nature or quality as an event, you use ser.

Ese espectáculo es patético y encima cuesta mucho dinero.

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