15 Mexican Swear Words: When You’re Ready To Use Curse Words And Insults

Mexican swear words are part of Mexican culture, too. Let’s not pretend that we’re all saints and we’re not using foul language sometimes.

Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard, but still, it’s sometimes good to have this kind of Spanish vocabulary at your hand.

If you want to take a quick look at them, check this all-in-one table:

And now, let’s explore them in details.

1. Chingar – Chingado – Chingada (To fck – Fcked – F*cked (feminine))

“Chingar” is probably the most versatile and widely used Mexican swear word.

You can use it in so many ways, from expressing frustration to insulting someone. “Chingado” and “Chingada” are variations that can mean you’re in a really bad situation.

Let’s see a real situation with it:

Carlos: “¿Qué pedo, güey? ¿Por qué tienes esa cara?” (What’s up, dude? Why do you have that face?)
Miguel: “Estoy bien chingado, carnal. Perdí mi trabajo.” (I’m really screwed, bro. I lost my job.)
Carlos: “No mames, ¡qué chingadera!” (No way, what a f*cked up situation!)

2. Pendejo – Pendeja (Idiot, Dumbass)

If you want to call someone an idiot in Mexican Spanish, “pendejo” is your go-to word. It’s pretty strong, so be careful! You might hear it when someone’s really frustrated with another person’s actions or decisions.

In a Spanish conversation:

Laura: “¿Otra vez olvidaste las llaves? ¡No seas pendejo, Raúl!” (You forgot the keys again? Don’t be an idiot, Raúl!)
Raúl: “Ay, perdón. Soy un pendejo.” (Oh, sorry. I’m an idiot.)

3. Cabrón – Cabrona (Bastard, Asshole)

“Cabrón” literally means “male goat,” but it’s used as an insult similar to “bastard” or “asshole.” Interestingly, it can also be used between friends as a term of endearment, kind of like “dude” in English.

Context is key here, check:

José: “¡Qué onda, cabrón! ¿Cómo estás?” (What’s up, dude! How are you?)
Fernando: “Todo bien, cabrón. ¿Y tú?” (All good, man. And you?)

4. Güey – Wey (Dude, Fool)

Originally an insult meaning “ox,” “güey” has become so common in Mexican Spanish that it’s almost lost its offensive meaning in many contexts.

It’s often used among friends, similar to “dude” in English.

Like this:

Ana: “Güey, ¿viste la nueva película de Marvel?” (Dude, did you see the new Marvel movie?)
Sofía: “Nel, güey. ¿Está buena?” (Nah, dude. Is it good?)

5. Puto – Puta (Male whore – Female whore)

These are pretty offensive terms. “Puto” is a derogatory term for a gay man, while “puta” is a very crude way to say “prostitute” or “whore.”

They’re both considered quite vulgar, so use with extreme caution!

Javier: “Ese puto me debe dinero y no me quiere pagar.” (That bastard owes me money and doesn’t want to pay me.)
Eduardo: “Qué culero, güey. Dile que no sea puto y que te pague.” (What an asshole, dude. Tell him not to be a jerk and to pay you.)

6. Pinche (Damn, F*cking)

“Pinche” is often used as an adjective to highlight something negative. It’s like saying “damn” or “f*cking” in English.

It’s pretty versatile and can be used with almost anything you want to insult.

María: “¿Cómo estuvo el concierto?” (How was the concert?)
Pedro: “Pinche horrible, güey. El sonido estaba de la chingada.” (F*cking horrible, dude. The sound was awful.)

7. Verga (Dick, Cock)

“Verga” is a vulgar term for the male genitalia. It’s used in various expressions to show frustration or to insult someone.

It’s pretty crude, so be careful with this one!

Roberto: “¿Cómo te fue en el examen?” (How did your exam go?)
Luis: “De la verga, wey. Creo que voy a reprobar.” (It sucked, dude. I think I’m going to fail.)

8. Culero – Culera (Asshole)

Derived from “culo” (ass), “culero” or “culera” is used to describe someone who’s being a real jerk.

It’s a strong insult, so use it sparingly and only if you really mean it!

Diana: “¿Por qué estás enojada con Juan?” (Why are you angry with Juan?)
Lucía: “Porque es un culero. Me dejó plantada anoche.” (Because he’s an asshole. He stood me up last night.)

9. Joto (Faggot)

This is a highly offensive slur for a gay man. It’s extremely derogatory and should generally be avoided. We’re only including it for completeness, but please be aware of its hurtful nature.

In a Spanish conversation, it could sound like this:

Alejandro: “¿Por qué no quieres ir a la fiesta?” (Why don’t you want to go to the party?)
Marcos: “No seas joto, vamos a divertirnos.” (Don’t be a sissy, let’s go have fun.)

10. Mamón – Mamona (Sucker, Cocky person)

“Mamón” can mean different things depending on the context. It can describe someone who’s arrogant or cocky, or it can mean a suck-up.

It’s derived from the verb “mamar” (to suck), so you can imagine why it’s considered vulgar.

If not, just read this short Spanish dialogue:

Valeria: “¿Qué opinas del nuevo jefe?” (What do you think of the new boss?)
Carmen: “Es un mamón. Se cree la gran cosa.” (He’s a cocky bastard. He thinks he’s all that.)

11. Hijo de puta – Hijo de la chingada (Son of a bitch – Son of a f*cking bitch)

These phrases are strong insults directed at someone’s mother. “Hijo de puta” is more universal in Spanish, while “Hijo de la chingada” is very Mexican.

Both are pretty offensive, so use with caution!

Ricardo: “¿Qué pasó con tu carro?” (What happened to your car?)
Gabriel: “Un hijo de puta me chocó y se dio a la fuga.” (Some son of a bitch crashed into me and ran away.)

12. Maricón (Faggot)

Similar to “joto,” this is a highly offensive slur for a gay man. It’s very derogatory and should be avoided.

Again, we’re only including it for completeness, but please be aware of its usage:

Ernesto: “¿Por qué no quieres pelear?” (Why don’t you want to fight?)
Felipe: “No seas maricón, defiéndete.” (Don’t be a sissy, defend yourself.)

13. Culo (Ass)

“Culo” literally means “ass,” but it can be used in various expressions. It can refer to someone who’s a coward, or it can be used more literally.

Let’s read a real-life example:

Héctor: “¿Vas a pedirle una cita a Marta?” (Are you going to ask Marta out?)
Óscar: “No tengo el culo para hacerlo, güey.” (I don’t have the balls to do it, dude.)

14. Mierda (Shit)

Just like in English, “mierda” is a versatile swear word.

You can use it to express frustration, describe something bad, or insult someone or something. It’s crude, but not as strong as some other words on this list.

Isabel: “¿Cómo estuvo tu día?” (How was your day?)
Andrés: “Una mierda total. Todo salió mal.” (Total shit. Everything went wrong.)
Isabel: “Chale, qué mala onda.” (Damn, that sucks.)

15. Chingón – Chingona (Badass, F*cking awesome)

Here’s an interesting one to end on.

Unlike most words on this list, “chingón” or “chingona” can actually be positive!

It’s used to describe someone or something that’s really cool or awesome. It’s still considered vulgar, though, so use it in casual settings only.

Emilio: “¿Qué tal estuvo el concierto anoche?” (How was the concert last night?)
Daniela: “¡Estuvo bien chingón, güey! La banda tocó por tres horas.” (It was f*cking awesome, dude! The band played for three hours.)
Emilio: “¡No mames! Qué chingón. Me arrepiento de no haber ido.” (No way! That’s badass. I regret not going.)

Why is it good to know Mexican swear words?

Learning Mexican swear words is beneficial for a few key reasons. It helps you understand the Mexican culture more, gives you a bit of an insight into Mexican humor and other ways of expressing your emotions and feelings in Spanish.

Truth be told, Mexican swear words help you fully understand Mexican movies, TV shows and music. And in some rare cases (although Mexico is a lovely country and that’s why you should also learn Spanish travel phrases when you visit a Spanish-speaking country), Mexican swear words can be a form of self-defense.

If you’re curious about this method, click the button now and you’ll receive your first FREE Chunking Starter Pack.