11 Spanish Curse Words That Will Make You Learn Spanish

Just like there are many passionate ways to say “I love you” in Spanish, there are Spanish curse words – among the most colorful and expressive in the language – that will help you ask someone to fuck off.

They can also be used to vent frustration, show excitement, or simply add emphasis to what you're saying – just like in English. Learning some Spanish swear words will also help you get a better feeling for the language and make yourself sound like a native.

But, like any other type of words, they should be used sparingly and only in appropriate contexts. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common Spanish curse words and their English translations, along with situations in which you can use them. Just remember, use these words at your own risk!

Cabrón

Meaning: bastard/jerk

One of the most common Spanish curse words, cabrón literally means “big male goat,” but it is used as an insult to refer to a man who is considered to be foolish or stupid. It can also be used to describe someone as aggressive or mean, but native Spanish speakers usually use it as a sarcastic remark rather than an insult.

For example:

¡Joder!

Meaning: fuck

This is probably one of the most versatile Spanish swear words. It can be used as a standalone exclamation, or it can be employed to emphasize just about anything. But, don’t be alarmed – while its closest English equivalent is “fuck,” it actually isn’t as potent as you may think.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word joder is well-accepted and isn’t considered offensive – both adults and teenagers alike use it loosely.

Like this:

Hijo de Puta

Meaning: son of a bitch

This is another one of the most common Spanish swear words used as a general insult, similar to “bastard” or “son of a gun” in English. Considering its literal translation, you can imagine how offensive it can be.

However, you can also use this Spanish curse word to express how surprised you are – in cases of both good and bad news.

For example:

¡Mierda!

Meaning: shit/crap

The literal translation of la mierda is “shit,” but it can be used as a general curse word to express frustration or anger. It can also be used to describe something that is of poor quality.

For example:

You can also use it as a Spanish insult, like this:

¡Me cago en todo lo que se menea!

Meaning: I shit on everything that moves!

Speaking of…, Spanish words Me cago en... literally translate to English as “I shit on…” and can be used to combine just about any word to form a swear word. Spanish speakers usually use it to express that they cannot stand something or when they’re angry.

They usually aren’t translated that literally, like here:

However, you can get creative with this one and use other variations of phrases that start with Me cago en…

Here are a few handy options:

Tonto del Culo

Meaning: asshole

This Spanish curse word is used to describe someone who is exceptionally stupid. It literally translates to “idiot of the ass,” with the word “asshole” being the closest English equivalent, so you can imagine how strong of an insult it is.

For example:

Que te den por Culo

Meaning: fuck you in the ass

This phrase is a bit more graphic than the previous one. This Spanish curse phrase is a way of telling someone that you hope they get what they deserve, usually something unpleasant. In other words, it’s a perfect phrase to tell someone to go fuck themselves.

Coño

Meaning: cunt

This Spanish word is a vulgar slang word for female genitals and has a variety of uses. It can be used as a standalone exclamation, an interjection in the middle of a sentence, or even to address someone personally.

It can also be used as a filler word in conversation, similar to how English speakers might use “fuck” or “shit.”

Here are a few examples:

Just be careful not to use it around children or elders (or anywhere, really), as it can be really offensive when used in the wrong context. For instance, in Latin America and some other Spanish-speaking countries, this word is considered to be very offensive and should be used with caution. You don’t want to get yourself in trouble.

¡Los cojones!

Meaning: balls

This is one of the most versatile Spanish curse words and can be used in a variety of situations. Literally meaning “testicles,” cojones can be used to express frustration, anger, or surprise. It can also be used as a term of endearment or to show admiration for someone else's bold or brave behavior.

For example:

Puta Madre

Meaning: motherfucker

Puta Madre is one of the most famous Spanish insults that doesn’t need an introduction. Its literal meaning is “your mother is a whore,” but it is usually used in the meaning of “motherfucker.”

You can use puta madre to express disagreement, anger, frustration, and disbelief, but also satisfaction, and it can be directed at both men and women.

Here are a few examples:

La Hostia

Meaning: holy fuck

La hostia can be used among friends in the meaning of “holy fuck” or “holy shit.” However, this is also a term related to the holy communion in the Catholic Church, as catholicism is still very popular in the Spanish-speaking world. In such a context, it will mean “the host,” so it can be perceived as vulgar or offensive in especially religious regions.

When using it as a swear phrase, you can combine it with other words to emphasize the impact and express your emotions, from anger to frustration and annoyance.

For example:

Other Important Curse Words

Here are other swear words that are commonly used in Latin America:

Why Should You Learn Spanish Curse Words?

Learning Spanish curse words can offer several benefits. First, it can enhance your understanding of the language and its nuances. Curse words in Spanish-speaking cultures are socially accepted, so you don't need to practice them in secrecy. It can also be a fun way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

There's also a practical aspect to learning curse words in any language. It can serve as self-defense awareness, helping you understand when someone might be using offensive language. This can be especially helpful when traveling or living in a Spanish-speaking country.

Moreover, Spanish curse words are not only used for insulting or hurting people but also for fun and even to show love among friends. Knowing these words can help you better understand and participate in casual conversations in Spain and Latin America.

It's important to note that some English curse words may not carry the same weight in Spanish-speaking countries, and vice versa. For example, "estúpido" is considered more intense in Spanish-speaking countries compared to "stupid" in English-speaking countries.

However, like with any language, it's crucial to use curse words responsibly and with an understanding of their cultural context, because explicit language has the potential to offend.

The Bottom Line

So, now you know some of the most common curse words used by native speakers in Spanish speaking countries. With a few Spanish curse words up your sleeve, you can now speak Spanish at a whole new level of proficiency!

Next time you see your Spanish-speaking friends, you’ll be able to surprise them by adding a couple of dirty words to your daily conversations. After all, swear words aren’t necessarily bad words – in many cases, they help you express precisely how you feel.

So, if you want to build up your Spanish vocabulary, download our Langster app and start learning Spanish with stories that will give you a real-life context to master Spanish curse words.