noun
also af·fi·ci·o·na·do -ä(ˌ)dō, -ȧ(-, -)thō
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish aficionado, from aficionado, past participle of aficionar to inspire devotion or affection (as in aficionarse to be fond of), from afición fondness, affection, from Latin affection-, affectio — more at affection
1. : an enthusiastic follower of bullfighting
the most important single thing for the beginning aficionado to concentrate on is the matador's feet — Barnaby Conrad
2. : an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast : fan
an aficionado of science fiction
aficionados of progressive education argue that this has a frustrating effect on the children — Richard Joseph