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In this paper we provide a synchronic and diachronic analysis of an instance of so-called «xpletive» negation in the Spanish approximative adverb por poco. Synchronically, we show that this adverb, when combined with the sentence negator no, is ambiguous between ∼p («expletive») and ∼∼p («canonical») meanings. Diachronically, we show that this ambiguity arose due to a change in the negation system of Spanish around the 15th century. As a result, the supposed instances of «expletive» negation found in present-day uses of por poco are not really expletive at all, but rather are a holdover from the Old Spanish requirement of preverbal negative concord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]