Have you ever noticed two people seemingly talking about you, but as you move closer to them the conversation suddenly halts? Has someone ever eyed you up and down while talking to their friend in Spanish, and they are criticizing you? It’s not a good feeling. No matter who you are, when you see someone making fun of you it’s bound to hurt your feelings. The good news is that all because they speak in a separate language, doesn’t mean you can’t get a word in edgewise. Yes, there is a whole universe of Spanish language curses out there, just waiting for the young enterprising individual to take advantage. So if you find yourself in a situation where you’re constantly getting ridiculed by your coworkers, and you want to get give back as good as you take. Then this is the article for you!
1. Pendejo
First off, let’s begin our selection with an all-time classic curse. We’re of course talking about the word pendejo. A quick search of pendejo meaning of pendejo will reveal that pendejo is essentially the Spanish equivalent of calling someone an asshole, or a dumbass. Now obviously this is an offensive word that should not be repeated in formal or professional contexts. But if you’re in a casual environment and you’re looking to let off something sure to get a rise out of the guy giving you a side-eye. Pendejo can be a great option for you. It’s important to note also that pendejo can be used in a more familiar context. This usually occurs between two male friends who have known each other and been friends for a long time. As it would be considered overly juvenile for two adults to refer to each other that way if they had just met.
2. Cabron
Our next entry on our tasting menu of eclectic local curses is none other than cabron. This is an incredibly offensive word that must be used with extreme caution. It’s one of those words that if you say in the wrong context, it’s more than likely that someone would try to have an altercation with you. That being said, cabron essentially means fucker, or bitch. It is used often in moments of extreme displeasure between two parties. That’s why we stress so much caution regarding its use. It’s a word reserved primarily for situations that could get very real, and very out of hand very quickly. If you do decide to call someone cabron or the feminine cabrona. Make sure that you are very good friends with that person because cabron is a word that can cause some serious trouble.
Pene
Finally, we arrive at the granddaddy of all curses. Yes for the finale of an article all about cursing, it’s only appropriate that we finish our list with the venerable pene. Pene means penis. Polla or pinga can also be used but essentially they all mean the same thing. These are of course massively offensive words that should only be repeated in the most private of settings. Saying any of these swears in public is highly inadvisable, but pene, in particular, should only be relegated to use with your friends or family. This is a curse word after all and though it’s been repeated in previous entries of this article, it is important to once again say. These are not words you want to call random people on the street. These are words that can get you in serious trouble if used improperly, so please employ caution while using them!
3. Conclusion
Curse words are funny. They are small almost inscrutable collections of syllables that are so pregnant with meaning, small wars have been fought over them. They are the ultimate example of words having power. If someone were to call a random individual a cabron on the streets of CDMX, chances are that someone would get their lights knocked out. And who would blame them? That person was walking down the street minding their own business, and out of nowhere you called them a dickhead. Of course, they’ll have something to say about that. This is why one must be cautious in the use of these curses. Because they are tools to be employed, and not toys to be thrown around willy-nilly. That’s why if you do decide to use these words, make sure to use them with your friends, in private moments. In situations where you’re just trying to get the best of an old college buddy. Because if you throw these kinds of words out casually. You may not enjoy the consequences that come with that. That being said however it’s always good to know what people are saying, and learning new languages is always an eye-opening adventure!…even if some of that language is probably something you wouldn’t write in your postcard to grandma.