In Spanish, we have a rich vocabulary for insults, with numerous ways to call someone an idiot. Since the 26th is my lucky number, I’ve compiled 26 different ways to say “idiot” in Spanish. This list includes explanations, the countries where each term is commonly used, and a ranking of their level of offensiveness. Each term is provided with both masculine and feminine forms where applicable; if only one form is listed, it’s because the term is neutral.
Low Offensiveness
Let’s start easy, with these generally mild terms, often used in a playful or teasing manner. They are less likely to cause offence, especially among friends or in casual settings.
1. Tonto / Tonta
Tonto can be translated as a foolish, silly person and is a common word used across the Spanish-speaking world. It can describe someone who is acting foolishly or making poor decisions. While it can be insulting, it’s usually not very harsh.
No seas tonto, eso no tiene sentido.
Don’t be silly, that doesn’t make sense.
2. Bobo / Boba
Bobo can also be translated as fool or simpleton. It’s used in all Spanish-speaking countries, but it’s particularly common in Colombia. Although bobo implies a lack of intelligence or common sense, it’s often used in a lighthearted, affectionate way and can even be playful depending on the context.
Eres un bobo, pero te quiero de todas formas.
You’re a fool, but I love you anyway.
3. Pavo / Pava
Pavo translates to turkey, but in Peru, calling someone a pavo is akin to calling them foolish or silly. The term is mild and often used in a joking manner.
Eres un pavo, siempre te equivocas.
You’re an idiot, you always make mistakes.
4. Menso / Mensa
You can translate menso as dimwit and it’s a widely used term in Mexico to describe someone who is not thinking clearly.
No seas menso, no es tan difícil.
Don’t be an idiot, it’s not that hard.
5. Gafo / Gafa
Gafo is a colloquial term in Venezuela that means idiot, implying that someone is gullible or easily tricked. It can be used playfully.
Qué gafa eres, ni siquiera sabes usar el teléfono.
You’re such an idiot, you don’t even know how to use the phone.
6. Zopenco / Zopenca
Zopenco is a term from Mexico and Central America, but it’s an old-fashioned word that’s used to describe someone as slow or stupid. It’s relatively mild but carries a sense of exasperation.
Eres un zopenco, siempre haces lo contrario de lo que te dicen.
You’re an idiot, you always do the opposite of what you’re told.
7. Zonzo / Zonza
Zonzo is a gentle way of calling someone an idiot, often used in a teasing or affectionate manner. It’s commonly heard in Argentina and Uruguay.
Qué zonzo eres, eso era obvio.
You’re such a fool, it was obvious.
8. Baboso / Babosa
Baboso is another popular term from Mexico. It means slobbering, but it’s used to describe someone as an idiot or you might say a slobbering fool.
No seas baboso, ¿cómo no te diste cuenta?
Don’t be an idiot, how did you not notice?
9. Lelo / Lela
Lelo can be used in different contexts, but in Spain, it’s used to describe someone who is slow to understand or react. It’s not very harsh and is often used in a somewhat affectionate or teasing manner.
Eres un lelo, no entiendes nada.
You’re a fool, you don’t understand anything.
10. Memo / Mema
Once again, we have a popular term from Spain. It’s used to describe someone as a fool or simpleton. It’s a relatively mild insult that is often used in a casual, non-threatening way.
No seas memo, piénsalo bien.
Don’t be an idiot, think it through.
Medium Offensiveness
Now, let’s move to more direct terms that can be offensive depending on the context and tone. They are often used in arguments or to express frustration.
11. Idiota
Here we find the literal translation for idiot: idiota. It’s widely understood in all Spanish-speaking countries and can be offensive, especially if used seriously.
No seas idiota, piensa antes de actuar.
Don’t be an idiot, think before you act.
12. Estúpido / Estúpida
A term widely used in all Spanish-speaking countries is estúpido. It translates to stupid and implies a lack of intelligence, usually in more serious or confrontational contexts.
Qué estúpido eres, no puedes ni seguir instrucciones simples.
How stupid you are, you can’t even follow simple instructions.
13. Imbécil
Imbécil is similar to estúpido in its intensity, but it can be translated as imbecile or idiot. It’s universally used to describe someone who is acting foolishly or lacking in intelligence. This term is often used in anger or frustration.
No seas imbécil, piensa en las consecuencias de tus acciones.
Don’t be an imbecile, think about the consequences of your actions.
14. Huevón / Huevona
Huevón can mean lazy or idiot, depending on the context. It’s a versatile term used in many Latin American countries, but mostly in Chile and Venezuela. In Colombia, the term is commonly used in its variation güevón or güeva, which can also refer to a testicle. The meaning and nuance of the term can vary significantly based on regional usage and context.
Eres un huevón, ¿cómo se te ocurre hacer eso?
You’re an idiot, how could you think of doing that?
15. Boludo / Boluda
Boludo is a quintessential Argentine and Uruguayan insult that has become a part of everyday language. It can be used casually among friends, but it can also be offensive if used seriously.
Sos un boludo, siempre llegás tarde.
You’re an idiot, you’re always late.
16. Gilipollas
Gilipollas may be the most well-known Spanish insult among Hispanics, used to describe someone who is acting foolishly or inconsiderately. It can be translated as idiot or jerk.
No seas gilipollas, eso no tiene sentido.
Don’t be an idiot, that doesn’t make sense.
17. Tarado / Tarada
Tarado is a well-known insult, but it originates in Argentina and Uruguay. It’s used to describe someone as a moron or an idiot. It’s a more intense insult than tonto or bobo, often used to express strong disapproval.
Sos un tarado, ¿cómo pudiste decir eso?
You’re an idiot, how could you say that?
18. Burro / Burra
Calling someone a burro equates them with a donkey, implying that they are stubborn or foolish. While it’s not the most offensive term, it’s definitely not flattering. It’s used in all Spanish-speaking countries.
Eres un burro, eso era fácil de entender.
You’re an idiot, that was easy to understand.
19. Pendejo / Pendeja
Pendejo is a widely recognised and versatile insult that can mean anything from idiot to jerk, depending on the context. It’s commonly used in Mexico and Argentina, and its offensiveness varies with tone and context so be careful!
No seas pendejo, no te metas en problemas.
Don’t be an idiot, don’t get yourself into trouble.
High Offensiveness
Now let’s move on to the spicy dish! These terms are highly offensive and should be used with caution. They are often considered vulgar or extremely insulting, and their use can lead to serious conflict so use them with caution.
20. Cabrón / Cabrona
Cabrón is a strong insult that can mean bastard, jerk, or idiot, depending on the context. It’s highly offensive and should be used with caution, as it can provoke anger. It is habitually used in Spain and Mexico.
Eres un cabrón, cómo pudiste hacerme eso.
You’re an idiot, how could you do that to me.
21. Carajo
Carajo is a curse word commonly used in Spain and Latin America to insult someone by calling them an idiot or a bastard. It’s a highly offensive term that can escalate a conflict quickly.
Eres un carajo, no te quiero ver más.
You’re a piece of crap, I don’t want to see you anymore.
22. Culero / Culera
Culero is a vulgar term used in Mexico to describe someone as an asshole or an idiot. It’s highly offensive and can cause significant offence.
No seas culero, compórtate bien.
Don’t be an asshole, behave yourself.
23. Chingado
Chingado is a vulgar term in Mexico, used to describe someone as messed up or an idiot. It’s highly offensive and should be used with great caution.
No seas chingado, respeta a los demás.
Don’t be an idiot, respect others.
24. Malparido / Malparida
Malparido is a very strong insult in Colombia. It can be translated as bastard or idiot. It’s a highly offensive term that can provoke serious anger.
Ese malparido me hizo la vida imposible.
That bastard made my life impossible.
25. Cabronazo
Cabronazo is an intensified form of cabrón from Spain, used to describe someone as a big bastard or idiot. It’s a very offensive insult, often used in moments of extreme anger.
Eres un cabronazo, me las pagarás.
You’re a big bastard, you’ll pay for this.
26. Hijo de puta
Last but not least, hijo de puta is one of the strongest insults in the Spanish language, equivalent to son of a bitch in English. It’s highly offensive and can lead to serious conflict.
Eres un hijo de puta, nunca te perdonaré.
You’re a son of a bitch, I’ll never forgive you.
