Spanish Swear Words from Spain: What You'll Hear (and What Not to Say) 🌶️
Every Spanish learner wants to know the swear words. Fair enough. You'll hear them in every bar in Spain, usually before 10am. 😅 Here are the ones Spaniards really use, from "your gran says it" to "don't say it in front of your suegra (mother-in-law)".
🌶️ = mild 🌶️🌶️ = rude 🌶️🌶️🌶️ = very rude
The mild ones 🌶️
- ¡Ostras! = Blimey! Safe anywhere.
- ¡Jolín! = Flipping heck! Kids say it all the time.
- ¡Me cago en la leche! = Bloody hell! (Literally "I poo in the milk". Don't ask.)
The rude ones 🌶️🌶️
- ¡Joder! = Bloody hell! / F*ck! The big one. Spaniards say it like we say "bloody hell".
- ¡Hostia! = Bloody hell! / Wow! It's the holy bread at church, which is why it's rude.
- Mierda = Sh*t. Same as English.
- ¡Qué cabrón! = The jammy git! Between mates it can be a compliment. Aimed at someone, it's a fight.
- ¡Ni de coña! = No way! / Not a chance!
The very rude ones 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- ¡C*ño! = Bloody hell! Spaniards drop it into everything. Never translate it word for word. Trust me.
- G*lipollas = Idiot (but much ruder). Usually aimed at someone, so keep it in your head.
The golden rule 🚫
Swearing about your day is very Spanish. Swearing at a person is not. Never say anything with "tu madre" (your mum) to anyone. That's how fights start.
Want the full lot?
The app has a Swear Words pack with the meaning, how rude it is and when to use it. It's 18+ only. Free to start.
Use responsibly. Or at least not in front of your suegra. 😇