24 Interesting Spanish Curse Words | Swears to Know
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Are you looking to expand your knowledge of Spanish curse words? This article provides a selection of the most commonly used Spanish expletives you can employ to impress Spanish speakers and potentially your Spanish-speaking friends.
Swear words are an ever-present language component across all countries and regions. Though the specific terminology and phrases may differ from place to place, they are essential to any language. Spanish, in particular, has gained notoriety for its explicit language.
Spanish curse words are a collection of offensive and vulgar expressions used in informal Spanish-speaking settings. Interestingly, Spanish curse words possess a certain allure and even sound pleasant to the ear. Nevertheless, it is crucial to exercise caution when employing these expressions in conversation.
It is essential to thoroughly comprehend these words’ meaning and usage in various regions before deploying them.
You don’t want to say something that will embarrass you or hurt someone’s feelings. Spanish words are important to know, but the literal translation depends on where you are. The literal translation you think a word is in El Salvador (Latin America) can mean something completely different in Spain.
This article delves into the meaning of Spanish curse words and how they can be integrated into conversations. However, these words must be used sparingly and creatively to avoid offending.
Common Dirty Words in Spanish
“Joder” – “Fuck”
This word is the most common cuss word, not only when you speak Spanish but also in English. The term typically means “fuck.” You can expect to hear it in almost every Spanish conversation.
- “¡Seguro que no llego a la audición, joder!”
Translation: “I certainly won’t make it to the audition, fuck!”
- “¡Joder! Esa sopa está demasiado caliente.”
Translation: “Fuck! That soup is too hot.”
The word is so common that it no longer sounds like a curse word. It’s part of the language and is one of the most versatile Spanish swear words.
“Mierda” – “Shit”
But how do you insert it in a normal sentence?
- “¡Mierda! Me olvidé de mi entrevista de trabajo.”
Translation: “Shit! I forgot about my job interview.”
- “¡Come mierda!”
Translation: “Eat shit!”
This is one of the more common curse words and Spanish swears.
“La Hostia” – “Holy Fuck or The Host”
This can be applied among friends to mean “holy fuck or holy shit.”
However, in the southern parts of Spain, the term refers to “the host,” and it’s commonly used in holy Communion. Due to the dominance of the Catholic Church in Spain, this phrase can be termed vulgar and offensive in this region.
However, the swear phrase is often used with other words to intensify its impact. Take, for instance, when you say “hostia puta,” it merely means “holy fuck.”
- “¡Me cago en la hostia!”
Translation: “I shit on the host!”
- “!Te voy a dar una hostia!”
Translation: “I’m going to kick your ass!”
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“Pollas en Vinagre” – “Cocks in Vinegar”
Yes, that is what it precisely means. “Cocks in vinegar!”
- “Pollas en vinagre.”
Translation: “Cocks in vinegar.”
The phrase is mainly applied when expressing dissent in discussions. And although not as commonly used as some other words, it has an immense impact on a conversation when used well.
“Que te Den” – “Fuck Off!”
This is one of those curse words in Spanish that is used when one is annoyed with something or someone. You can simply apply it to express dissatisfaction or irritation.
- “¡Que te den!”
Translation: “Fuck off!”
This one is hopefully self-explanatory. Use it well.
“Hijo de Puta” – “Son of A Bitch!”
Just as you use the phrase in the English language, in the same way, it applies in Spanish. The only difference is that it’s more prevalent in Spanish.
- “¡Hijo de puta! ¿Compraste un coche nuevo?”
Translation: “Son of a bitch! You bought a brand new car?”
- “¡Tu español es excelente! ¡Hijo de puta!”
Translation: “Your Spanish is excellent! Son of a bitch!”
When used in Spanish, it’s rarely a curse word, and it’s applied when teasing someone, either enviously or sarcastically.
“Pinche” – “Fucking”
This is a Mexican-Spanish word that translates to “fucking” in English.
- “¡Mi pinche auto está descompuesto!”
Translation: “My fucking car is broken!”
It’s also a widely used phrase making it an add-on term in almost every Spanish curse word in Mexico. This curse word helps to intensify the essence of a sentence in Spanish as it does in English.
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“Que te Jodan” – “Fuck You!”
Another ingenious way of how people use the word “joder,” as explained earlier. It simply means “fuck you.” Although used mainly to express anger and disappointment, it also can be used lightly/casually between good friends.
- “¡Que te jodan!”
Translation: “Fuck you!”
The tone here will significantly alter the meaning, hence the need to learn its proper use.
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Spanish Sayings and Curse Words
“Los Cojones” – “Bullshit”
Spanish men are commonly referred to as “machotes.” The macho men are tough guys who are pretty proud of their balls. They like showing off their masculinity by including “cojones” in various conversations.
- “Tienes cojones grandes, hombre.”
Translation: “You’ve got big balls, man.”
Not literally. Using “cojones” in a sentence can refer to someone as brave or courageous.
The phrase also translates to bullshit in English and can be used to respond to people trying to offer crappy excuses. When someone pisses you off, the terms also fit well in your response.
- “¡Los cojones! ¿Cómo se relaciona un neumático pinchado con que no envíes el dinero?”
Translation: “That’s bullshit! How does a punctured tire relate to you not sending the money?”
Remember that “j” is always pronounced “h” in Spanish. Therefore, the proper pronunciation for this will be “los co-ho-nehs.”
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“La Madre Que te Parió” – “Mother F*cker”
Among the many cuss words in the Spanish language, “la madre que te parió!” ranks among the most vulgar and profane. Translating to “the mother who gave birth to you,” Spanish speakers widely employ this phrase in moments of frustration, anger, or aggression to mean something else.
- “¡La madre que te pario!”
Translation: “You motherfucker!”
Despite its frequent usage and recognition as the third most commonly used curse word in Spain by City Life Madrid, some may find this epithet to be overly extreme or offensive. Opinions on the acceptability and appropriateness of this phrase vary depending on cultural norms, personal values, and social context.
“Métetelo Por El Culo” – “Stick it up Your Ass.”
The word “meter” in Spanish means to insert. When we conjugate this word, it becomes “métetelo.” Since the word “culo,” on the other hand, means ass, the whole meaning of the phrase becomes, “stick it up your ass.”
- “Métetelo Por El Culo”
Translation: “Stick It Up Your Ass”
You can apply it in a sentence just as you would in English. It is one of those Spanish sayings that make you feel like you’ve become a Spaniard.
“Puta Madre” – “Fucking Good/Motherfucker”
It is one of the most well-known Spanish insults that need no introduction. Although its common usage in English is “fucking good” or “fucking great,” its literal translation is “your mother is a whore.”
Puta Madre can be used to convey satisfaction as well as disagreement, rage, frustration, and disbelief.
- “Este taco está de puta madre.”
Translation: “This taco is fucking good.”
But sometimes, its usage could include “motherfucker,” especially when expressing rage or annoyance.
- “¡Cállate, hijo de tu puta madre!”
Translation: “Shut up, you motherfucker!”
“Tonto del Culo” – “Idiot/Dumbass”
If you wish to point out how silly or stupid someone is, this is the phrase to use. It literally translates to “idiot of the ass,” but the closest English equivalent is “idiot,” or “dumbass.” The best thing about the phrase is that it can fit in almost every situation.
- “No hagas eso, tonto del culo.”
Translation: “Don’t do that, you idiot.”
- “¿Cómo puedes ser tan tonto del culo?”
Translation: “How can you be such a dumbass?”
The correct pronunciation for this phrase is “ton-to del kuloh.” This curse phrase is considered slightly mild, hence often used in regular conversations.
“Qué Cabrón” – “What a bastard.”
Cabron in Spanish refers to a “male goat” with long giant horns. And even a Spanish saying equates a man with an unfaithful wife to Cabron. This implies that the man’s antlers are growing.
The saying formed the origin of the phrase “Qué Cabrón” and its extensive use among Spanish swear words. Mostly, people use the term to curse at others, but it’s a mild cuss phrase.
- “¡Qué cabrón eres! Siempre consigues lo que quieres.”
Translation: “You’re such a bastard! You always get what you want.”
It is often used sarcastically instead of cursing.
“No me Jodas” – “Don’t f*ck with Me!”
The phrase “Don’t f*ck with me!” is a forceful and assertive statement that warns others not to cross the speaker.
Spanish people commonly use it when they needs to establish boundaries, assert authority, or express frustration. It can also be used to tell someone to stop bothering or annoying you.
- “No me jodas, otra vez llegué tarde al trabajo por culpa del tráfico.”
Translation: “Don’t fuck with me, I’m late for work again because of traffic.”
As with any colloquialism, the rules of conversational usage for this phrase vary depending on the cultural and regional context in which it is employed. Similar to the use of language in Minneapolis or Texas, specific nuances and variations exist in Spanish usage.
Spanish Insults
“Que te Folle un Pez” – “Get F*cked by a Fish!”
This is undoubtedly one funny Spanish insult! How does someone tell you to go get f*cked by a fish? The phrase shows just how creative Spaniards can get with insults. This is where the beauty of this language lies.
However, you’ll need some practice if you pronounce some of these words correctly, let alone use them in a sentence.
The phrase is no different from how you would use the English insult “screw you” in a conversation. You will mostly encounter the term in conversations where one party is pissed by the other.
- “No quiero hablar contigo, que te folle un pez.”
Translation: “I don’t want to talk to you, get fucked by a fish.”
It’s one of the funny swears in Spanish that makes my day.
“Pendejo” – “Stupid”
Yet another Spanish insult whose frequency of use is relatively high in Spain and Mexico. While we translate this word to English, it typically means “being stupid.”
When you call someone a pendejo, you simply call them an imbecile or a moron. And although applied mostly as a curse word, it can also fit in a friendly conversation between friends.
- “No puedo creer que hayas hecho algo tan pendejo.”
Translation: “I can’t believe you did something so stupid.”
“Me Cago en Dios!” – “I Poop/Shit on God!”
While some Spanish swear words are just funny, others are extreme and blasphemous to others, especially for religious people. This phrase is one of those curse terms that shows the extreme side of Spanish profanity.
- “Me cago en Dios!”
Translation: “I poop/shit on God!”
Now that’s extreme.
The phrase is, however, still quite common, and you’ll frequently hear it in conversations. This is especially true with people from southern Spain.
“Cago en la madre!” – “I shit on your mother!”
Like “cago en dios,” this phrase translates to “I shit on your mother” and is considered equally offensive.
- “Me cago en la madre que te parió!”
Translation: “I shit on the mother who gave birth to you.”
Typically deployed as an insult towards another individual, this expression effectively conveys intense feelings of anger and frustration. And its use is considered highly offensive and inappropriate in most contexts.
While the origins of this vulgar phrase are unclear, it is frequently used throughout Spain, particularly in the southern region.
“Cago en todo lo!” – “I shit on everything!”
“Cago en todo lo” is a comparatively milder Spanish expletive that can be loosely translated as “I shit on everything.”
- “¡Cago en todo lo que se mueve!”
Translation: “I shit on everything that moves!”
Unlike the more vulgar and offensive “Cago en dios” or “Cago en la madre,” this expression is often used in a lighthearted or jesting manner, expressing mild irritation or annoyance.
While this phrase is not typically deemed as offensive as the previous two, it should still be employed with caution in polite company.
“Cago en la leche!” – “I shit in the milk!”
This phrase translates to “I shit in the milk” and is used to express disgust or disapproval. It’s not as offensive as “cago en dios” or “cago en la madre,” but it’s still considered a strong curse word in Spanish.
Despite its crude connotations, “Cago en la leche!” remains a famous and widely used exclamation among Spanish speakers. It is often uttered spontaneously in moments of anger or frustration. And its usage reflects a certain bluntness and directness characteristic of Spanish culture.
“Gilipollas” – “Douchebag/Dickhead”
“Gilipollas,” whose English counterpart is “douchebag” or “dickhead,” is often applied as a retorting curse. In most instances, this term can also be used to mean a bastard.
- “No le hables; es un gilipollas”
Translation: “Don’t talk to him; he’s a dickhead”
If someone teases or pisses you off, calling him a “gilipollas” seems in order, right!?
Although it comes from two distinct words, “Gili” (stupid) and “polla” (cock), its use in Spanish isn’t as vulgar as in its direct English usage.
“Cara de Culo” – “Ass-Face.”
Some curse words are funnier than they are insults. For instance, when someone calls you a “Cara de Culo,” they mean that you are a complete “ass-face.”
- “Ha estado sentada allí con cara de culo toda la noche.”
Translation: “She’s been sitting there looking like an ass all night.”
Some of these dirty Spanish curse words will light up your mood, even when they are meant to insult. This combination of the words “Cara” (face) and “Culo” (rear) forms an ingenious figurative curse.
“Capullo” – “Asshole/Jerk”
“Capullo” is a Spanish epithet that is among the most frequently employed curse words by Spaniards worldwide. This term, which in English translates to “asshole” or “jerk,” can also have a variety of other connotations depending on the situation and emotional state of the speaker.
- “Deja de ser tan capullo y haz lo que se te pide.”
Translation: “Stop being such a jerk and do what you’re asked.”
In specific contexts, capullo can signify idiocy, arrogance, rudeness, or general annoyance. It is a term commonly used to express frustration, anger, or disdain towards another individual. Interestingly, capullo also holds a positive meaning in Spanish regarding a flower bud.
While capullo is primarily employed in Spain, it is also widely recognized throughout Spanish-speaking countries. Its frequent usage reflects the expressive and emotive character of the Spanish language and the cultural norms of frankness and directness.
Key Takeaway on Spanish Curse Words
In mastering a new language, profanity often becomes an early and prominent aspect of one’s linguistic education. It is common for learners to become familiar with a vast array of Spanish swear words long before they can string together a cohesive sentence. This is an interesting, somewhat unexpected, facet of language learning.
For those interested in acquiring a more colorful vocabulary and speaking Spanish, using curse words can be an amusing and effective way to feel more confident in speaking the language. It is crucial to note that curse words must be used cautiously, as they can easily offend if misused.
To avoid offending with profanity, it is essential to understand the cultural and linguistic nuances surrounding these words. In many cases, profanity may be deemed more acceptable in specific social contexts or among particular groups. Conversely, specific terms may be considered highly offensive in some regions or cultures while being used more casually in others.
Furthermore, being aware of the power dynamics when using profanity is important. Cursing at someone with a higher social status than you can be seen as highly disrespectful and may result in severe consequences. It is also crucial to avoid using profanity to demean or insult others, as this is not only hurtful but can also be considered bullying.
FAQs
What are some Spanish slurs?
Spanish slurs are derogatory terms or phrases used to insult or demean individuals or groups of Spanish-speaking people based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, or other characteristics.
Some Spanish slurs include “spic,” “wetback,” “beaner,” “greaser,” and “cholo.” These terms are offensive and should be avoided in all situations. Using slurs can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to discrimination and prejudice.
Is Pucha a curse word?
Yes, Pucha is a mild curse word commonly used in Latin America. It is considered a less offensive alternative to stronger curse words such as “puta” or “mierda.” While it is not considered vulgar or offensive, it is still inappropriate to use in polite or formal settings.
Is Maldito a bad word?
Yes, “Maldito” is generally considered a bad word in Spanish. It is an adjective that translates to “damned” or “cursed” in English. It’s often used as a strong expression of anger, frustration, or disappointment and can be considered offensive in specific contexts.
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