Are you an intrepid traveler? Do you love to explore the beauty of different cultures and languages? If so, have you ever wanted to insult someone in Spanish but been unsure of how best to express yourself?
This post will teach you everything you need to know about the art of insulting people in Spanish language!
Let’s dive into insults in Spanish you should know!
From classic phrases that require little expertise to more nuanced terms that are sure to make your intended target blanch, I’ll present all kinds of interesting methods for critiquing bad behavior.
It’s important to always use insulting phrases with caution and only use them in appropriate situations where it will not cause harm or offense.
Pssst…!! You can’t get enough of Spanish language? Have a look at some of my other posts:
- Best Spanish Captions for Instagram
- Best motivational quotes in Spanish
- Best positive quotes in Spanish
Table of Contents
1. Soplagaitas
Spanish insults are very common and varied, and this is one of the Spanish idioms you should know.
In fact, even when Spaniards are joking, they use lots of insults.
Soplagaitas is used to refer to someone hard to take but it literally means ‘someone who blows the gaita’.
You should know that a gaita is a traditional musical instrument from Galicia.
2. ¡Vete a la mierda!
If you simply want to know how do you say ‘go fuck yourself’ in Spanish, you need to memorize ¡Vete a la mierda!
It is one of the common Spanish sayings that locals use to mean that when they are very angry and they aim to end up with an argument.
3. Más seco que un bocadillo de polvorones
On of the best funny Spanish insults of the country is Eres más seco que un bocadillo de polvorones.
Polvorones are Christmas pastries that Spaniards smash to get a thought cookie.
As a result, it gets hard and dry and you need to drink some water to be able to eat it properly.
Eres más seco que un bocadillo de polvorones can be translated as ‘You are drier than a sandwich filled with polvorones’.
The meaning of seco, referring to people, in Spanish is unkind.
That’s why when someone is rude, you can tell them that.
4. ¡Qué te den!
If you want to know how to curse in Spanish, you just need to learn by heart ¡Qué te den!
This is a synonym of the English ‘Go fuck yourself!’
As happens with ¡Vete a la mierda! This expression is commonly used to end up with a discussion abruptly.
Probably, nobody is going to say anything else after that.
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5. Animal vestido de persona
Some insults in Spanish are useful to let others know how inappropriate their behavior is.
Animal vestido de persona means ‘You are an animal dressed like a person’.
As you may notice, this Spanish expression can be used when someone is being uncivil.
6. Eres más tonto que mear a contraviento
Funny insults in Spanish to let your friends know how dumb they are may be easily found online.
One of my favorite ones is Eres más tonto que mear a contraviento and it can be translated as ‘You’re dumber than pissing against the wind’.
7. Cara de limón podrido
If someone is looking down on you, you may definitely need this insult in Spanish.
You just need to tell him or her cara de limón podrido, which can be translated as ‘Rotten lemon face’.
There is no doubt about the fact that his or her face is going to be even more disgusting after hearing that!
8. Hueles a perro mojado
Mean things to say in Spanish can be used to hurt those annoying you.
If someone is not taking good care of his or her hygiene and you want to make them aware of that, you can just say hueles a perro mojado.
These kinds of funny Spanish sentences are common among young people, especially when they have been practicing some sport.
Its translation is ‘You smell like a wet dog’.
9. Tobogán de piojos
This is definitely one of the funny Spanish sentences to insult someone you have a great relationship with.
Tobogán de piojos can be literally translated as ‘lice slide’ and it denotes that someone is very dirty and even lice do not want to be with him or her.
10. Eres más tonto que el retrovisor de la bici estática
Some insults in Spanish to make someone aware of his or her dumbness are quite original.
This is precisely what happens when you say eres más inútil que el retrovistor de la bici estática.
The significance of this hilarious Spanish saying is ‘you are more useless than the rear view of the static bike’.
11. Eres tan feo que cuando picas cebolla es ella la que llora
It is easy to find funny sentences in Spanish to say ‘you are ugly’ in an original way.
For example, saying eres tan feo que cuando picas cebolla es ella la que llora means ‘when you chop onions it’s the onion the one who cries’
12. Tienes la cara perfecta… para salir por la radio
What is Spain known for is the great sense of humor of its locals.
Ending a sentence unexpectedly may be the key to being hilarious.
This is precisely what happens when you say tienes la cara perfecta… para salir en la radio.
The translation of this funny Spanish insult is ‘You have the perfect face… to work on the radio’
13. Yo no soy antisocial, soy anti estúpidos como tú
Most beautiful places in Spain may seem less special when sharing them with uncivil people.
If it is precisely what you are going through, here you have the best Spanish way to explain why you behave as if you do not want to be accompanied.
Yo no soy antisocial, soy anti estúpidos como tú mean ‘I’m not antisocial, I’m anti stupids like you’.
They won’t probably keep disturbing you after saying that.
14. A veces no me importa ni mi opinión, imagínate la tuya
There are several Instagram captions in Spanish that can be used to make your followers aware of the fact that you are a strong person that does not care about others’ opinions.
If someone disrespects one of your Instagram posts, you can joke about it, answering a veces no me importa ni mi opinión, imagínate la tuya.
This can be translated as ‘Sometimes I don’t care about my opinion, imagine how much I do not take yours into account’.
15. Ojalá en tu próxima vida, te reencarnes en papel higiénico
There are several funny insults in Spanish that may be used to curse someone that is not being polite to you.
Sometimes when you queue in a supermarket or try to park in a busy area of your city, someone thinks is more clever than you and ignores your waiting.
In these kind of situations, you can just tell them: ojalá en tu próxima vida, te reencarnes en papel higiénico, which means ‘I hope in your next life, you’ll be reincarnated in toilet paper’.
16. Eres más feo que pegar a un padre con un calcetín sudado
Funny Spanish quotes to joke about someone’s physical appearance should just be said when you know that you are not really going to hurt their self-esteem.
In fact, it is quite mean to attack something people are not always fully responsible for.
If you have a close friend and you decide to insult him or her physically, you can say eres más feo que pegar a un padre con un calcetín sudado.
It is a funny expression that means ‘You are uglier than hitting your dad with a sweaty sock’.
17. Si se pusiera de moda ser gilipollas, tú no podrías con la fama
One of my favourite funny Spanish insults is si se pusiera de moda ser gilipollas, tú no podrías con la fama.
I just simply find it hilarious the way this saying allows you to tell someone that he or she is perfectly behaving like an asshole.
The translation of this quote is ‘If it got fashionable to be an asshole, you would be super famous’.
18. No te insulto, solo te defino brevemente
If you use some Spanish slang words to insult someone and he or she replies that you should not have done that, you can just say no te insulto, solo te defino brevemente.
The meaning of this Spanish quote is ‘I am not insulting you, I am just defining you briefly’.
19. Si la caca del whatsapp es feliz, tú también puedes serlo
Some of the worst Spanish insults were born when technology reached everybody.
One of the Spanish expressions related to instant messaging that can be used to mess with someone is si la caca del whatsapp es feliz, tú también puedes serlo.
These are a combination of encouraging and insulting words because it means that someone can be happy even though he or she is a shitty person.
20. Caracunda
Caracunda is one of the uncommon Spanish words that can be used to describe someone whose ideas are rhetorical.
However, if they are not very educated people, they are not probably going to understand you.
That’s why you must use this Spanish insult when dealing with upper-class people.
21. Eres un caraculo
There are some funny Spanish phrases and insults that you will always hear in any children’s argument.
One of the most famous ones is eres un caraculo.
This is definitely a soft insult that just young boys and girls say seriously.
22. Cagalindes
Some of the best Spanish insults are aimed to highlight the most negative aspects of someone.
Among all of them, choosing knowledgeable words will make you look superior.
Nevertheless, it is possible that those who you insult won’t understand you.
This is precisely what happens with cagalindes which means ‘coward’.
23. Te doy una hostia que te visto de torero
If you are wondering how do you say disrespectful in Spanish, you have to learn the word maleducado.
One of the funniest Spanish expressions to be mean to someone is te doy una hostia que te visto de obrero, whose translation is ‘I will hit you and you will end up dressed like a bullfighter’.
24. Están volando hostias y se te está poniendo cara de aeropuerto
An original way to insult in Spanish is están volando hostias y se te está poniendo cara de aeropuerto.
This Spanish expression is similar to the previous one because both are aimed at letting somebody know that his or her physical integrity is in danger because of inappropriate behavior.
The translation of this saying is ‘Slaps are flying and you are getting an airport face’.
25. ¡Qué flipado!
Easy insults in Spanish are the most heard ones too.
This is precisely what happens with ¡Qué flipado!, which is something we say to those who think they are the best in everything they make.
26. Me cago en…
A very versatile Spanish curse saying is Me cago en…, which can be translated as ‘I shit on…’
The reason that explains that is the fact you can add the ending you want to this expression.
Depending on what you want to discuss in Spanish, you will finish it in one way or another.
If you need to learn some examples, the most heard ones are me cago en todo, which means ‘I shit on everything’ or me cago en ti, which equals ‘I shit on you’.
27. Niñato
One of the most common words to insult someone is niñato.
This can be translated as ‘childish’ and it is usually said when someone is behaving like a kid in situations in which maturity is required.
28. Más corto que la manga de un chaleco
When thinking about some of the Best Spanish idioms to diss in Spanish, más corto que la manga de un chaleco should come to your mind.
This can be translated as ‘You are shorter than the sleeves of a vest’.
In this context, short is a synonym for dumb.
29. Eres más pesado que una vaca en brazos
Some funny insulting words in Spanish you should definitely know are eres más pesado que una vaca en brazos.
The significance of this expression is ‘You are heavier than carrying a cow’.
30. Eres más raro que un perro verde
Some insults in Spanish are aimed at comparing rare threats to animals and humans.
This precisely happens when you say eres más raro que un perro verde.
This expression means ‘You are weirder that a green dog’.
31. Eres más lento que una tortuga con muletas.
Insults are never the way to go when communicating with others. However, in certain situations, it can be useful to know some insulting phrases in Spanish to use in a playful or humorous way.
One such phrase is “Eres más lento que una tortuga con muletas,” which translates to “You’re slower than a turtle with crutches.”
This phrase is a clever and amusing way to poke fun at someone’s lack of speed without resorting to harsh or hurtful insults.
32. Tienes menos luces que un barco pirata.
Insults can be a tricky business, especially for non-native speakers. But what if you want to add a little zest to your Spanish vocabulary?
Look no further than “Tienes menos luces que un barco pirata.” Directly translated, it means “You have fewer lights than a pirate ship.”
It’s an insult that’s both whimsical and cutting, implying that the recipient is dimwitted and lost at sea.
33. Tu inteligencia tiene una tarifa plana
When it comes to insults in Spanish, there’s no shortage of creative ways to put someone down. One that might catch you off guard is the phrase, “Tu inteligencia tiene una tarifa plana.”
Translated literally, it means “Your intelligence has a flat rate.”
But what does that even mean?
Well, in this context, it’s essentially saying that someone’s intelligence is limited and unchanging. It’s a not-so-subtle way of implying that the person in question isn’t very smart.
Of course, insults like this aren’t meant to be taken seriously, but it’s always good to know what people are saying about you behind your back!
34. Pareces un GPS: Siempre dando vueltas y sin llegar a ningún lado.
In Spanish, there are many humorous and colorful phrases that can convey a sharp insult.
One example is “Pareces un GPS: Siempre dando vueltas y sin llegar a ningún lado,” which translates to “You’re like a GPS: Always going in circles and never getting anywhere.”
This particular phrase is a clever way of calling someone directionless, aimless, or indecisive. However, using GPS as a comparison adds a touch of irony and humor to the insult.
Using a playful phrase to insult someone can lighten the tension and even make them laugh, but be careful not to offend someone too much!
35. Deberías demandar a tus padres por hacerte feo/a.
In Spanish, insults can be delivered with cutting precision and humor that can take a minute to sink in.
One classic insult is, “Deberías demandar a tus padres por hacerte feo/a,” which translates to “You should sue your parents for making you ugly.”
While it’s certainly not a nice thing to say, there’s a certain humor to the insult that might just have you struggling to hold in a laugh.
36. Tienes una mente tan brillante que tu sombra la sigue todo el tiempo.
Insults can be a crude but effective way to get someone’s attention.
In Spanish, there are some truly creative put-downs that can leave a lasting impression. One example is the phrase “Tienes una mente tan brillante que tu sombra la sigue todo el tiempo.”
It translates to “Your mind is so bright that your shadow follows it all the time.”
While at first glance this seems like a compliment, the underlying meaning is quite insulting.
The implication is that the person is so dim-witted that even their shadow has no choice but to follow them around. Ouch. It shows how important the right words can be, even when they are meant to hurt.
37. Eres el motivo por el que Darwin se cuestiona su teoría.
Insults are a common aspect of every language, and Spanish is no exception.
One of the most clever and biting insults is the phrase, “Eres el motivo por el que Darwin se cuestiona su teoría.” This translates to “You’re the reason why Darwin questions his theory.”
This insult highlights the idea that the person being insulted is so ignorant or foolish that they shake the foundation of a well-established scientific theory.
It’s a clever and witty way of putting someone in their place, and it shows that insults in Spanish can be both sharp and sophisticated.
38. Eres tan bajo que podrías hacer un limbo debajo de una lombriz.
Insults can sometimes be a humorously clever way of getting your point across.
In Spanish, one particular phrase takes aim at someone’s lack of height with a clever twist. “Eres tan bajo que podrías hacer un limbo debajo de una lombriz” translates to “you’re so short you could limbo under a worm.”
While it may not be the nicest thing to say, it certainly paints a vivid picture of just how short someone is.
It just goes to show that sometimes the best way to convey a message is through a well-crafted insult.
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39. Tu capacidad de concentración es tan baja que podrías perder un juego de buscar y encontrar en una habitación vacía.
Insults can be hurtful, but sometimes they are just too clever to ignore.
Take the following phrase in Spanish, for example: “Tu capacidad de concentración es tan baja que podrías perder un juego de buscar y encontrar en una habitación vacía.”
Roughly translated to English, it means that someone’s ability to concentrate is so poor that they could lose a game of hide and seek in an empty room. Ouch!
This phrase may be a bit harsh, but no one can deny that it’s a creative and witty way to insult someone.
Keep this in mind the next time you want to show off your Spanish-speaking skills or shut down someone who just won’t stop talking during an exam.
40. Tienes menos futuro que un astronauta en bicicleta.
Insults can be both humorous and hurtful at the same time, depending on how you take them.
The Spanish language is ripe with creative insults that can make you laugh or cringe.
One such phrase is “Tienes menos futuro que un astronauta en bicicleta” which translates to “You have less of a future than an astronaut on a bicycle.”
This insult is not only witty but also paints a vivid picture of how hopeless the person’s future may look.
It’s a great way to playfully tease someone about their prospects without being overly harsh. So, the next time you need a quick quip to shut down someone’s confidence, give this one a try.
41. Si la inteligencia fuera dinero, estarías en bancarrota.
Insults stink, but if you have to dish one out, this one is pretty clever.
If you’re feeling particularly petty and have a Spanish speaker on your hands, you can use the phrase “Si la inteligencia fuera dinero, estarías en bancarrota” to mean, “If intelligence were money, you’d be bankrupt.”
Basically, it’s a fancy way of calling somebody stupid without actually calling them stupid.
The phrase elicits a laugh and a head shake because its cleverness is undeniable.
So, the next time you need to give someone a piece of your mind and you’re a fan of the Spanish language, use this phrase to knock them off their high horse!
42. Eres tan despistado/a que te perderías en tu propia casa.
In Spanish, there are many creative and colorful insults that are guaranteed to get your point across.
One such example is the phrase “Eres tan despistado/a que te perderías en tu propia casa.”
This translates to “You’re so absent-minded that you’d get lost in your own house.”
It’s a witty and sarcastic way to tell someone that they are not very observant or aware of their surroundings. It’s a humorous insult that packs a punch without being overly aggressive or hurtful.
In fact, many Spanish speakers use insults like this one in a playful and lighthearted way, almost as a sign of affection.
So if someone tells you that you would get lost in your own home, take it as a compliment!
43. Tienes una risa contagiosa. Lástima que sea por lo tonto/a que eres.
Insults can sting, especially when they are hidden within seemingly complimentary remarks.
In Spanish, the phrase “Tienes una risa contagiosa. Lástima que sea por lo tonto/a que eres.” perfectly captures the essence of this type of insult.
On the surface, it starts as a seemingly kind compliment, “You have a contagious laugh.”
But quickly dives into an insult once it’s followed with “Too bad it’s because of how foolish you are.”
While this phrase may leave a bitter taste, it does highlight the power of language and the importance of thinking before speaking.
44. Eres la prueba viviente de que la evolución puede dar marcha atrás.
Insults can be hurtful, but they sure can be creative.
Take, for example, the famous Spanish phrase, “Eres la prueba viviente de que la evolución puede dar marcha atrás” which translates to, “You’re living proof that evolution can go backward.” Ouch!
This insult is particularly biting because it suggests that the person being insulted is not only unevolved but is in fact evidence that evolution can go in reverse. It’s a clever way to insult someone’s intelligence or lack thereof.
While insults are never a polite way to communicate, they can be a fascinating glimpse into the language and culture of different countries around the world.
45. Eres la razón por la que los alienígenas nos evitan.
Insults can often sting with the sharpness of a venomous snake.
And in Spanish, there are some truly savage ways to let someone know you’re not pleased with them. One such example is the phrase “Eres la razón por la que los alienígenas nos evitan.”
Imagine being on the receiving end of this particular insult! It translates to “You’re the reason why aliens avoid us,” a cutting reminder that the person being addressed is so unpleasant that even extraterrestrial beings steer clear.
Whether used in jest or malice, Spanish insults are an art form unto themselves, capable of causing as much harm as a well-placed punch.
46. Tienes menos gracia que una patineta sin ruedas.
Insults can be tricky, but they can also be creative and hilarious.
In the Spanish language, there are countless ways to poke fun at someone, and one particularly amusing phrase is “Tienes menos gracia que una patineta sin ruedas.”
This insult translates to “You have less grace than a skateboard without wheels.”
The comparison is strikingly funny and unique, highlighting just how much the subject lacks in the grace department.
It’s a witty and memorable way to call someone out on their awkwardness, and it’s no wonder that this insult continues to be a favorite among Spanish speakers.
47. Si la estupidez pagara impuestos, estarías en la quiebra.
IOne insult that is sure to leave its target feeling less than intelligent is, “Si la estupidez pagara impuestos, estarías en la quiebra.”
Translation: If stupidity paid taxes, you’d be bankrupt. Ouch.
This phrase packs a punch not only in its directness, but also in its clever use of language.
After all, who wants to be accused of being financially unstable on top of being dumb? Use this one sparingly, but know that it’s a potent tool in your arsenal of Spanish insults.
48. Tienes una memoria tan corta que podrías usar una lombriz como marca páginas.
In Spanish, there are a plethora of unique insults that will leave anyone feeling roasted.
For instance, if you’re accused of having a short memory, someone might say “Tienes una memoria tan corta que podrías usar una lombriz como marca páginas.”
That’s right, your memory is supposedly so lacking that you could use a worm as a bookmark.
It’s not the most straightforward insult, but it’s definitely one that’s sure to make your brain work a little bit harder to decipher.
49. Eres como un calendario de adviento, pero sin la sorpresa al final.
Insults can be a bit like a game of verbal chess, requiring a keen intellect and creativity to truly hit your target.
That’s what makes insults in Spanish so fascinating – the language lends itself to wordplay and clever turns of phrase that can cut someone down to size with a single well-placed statement.
One particularly memorable insult I’ve come across is, “Eres como un calendario de adviento, pero sin la sorpresa al final.”
Translated into English, it means “you’re like an advent calendar, but without the surprise at the end.”
This insult is especially effective because it doesn’t rely on vulgar language or personal attacks.
It’s simply a clever comparison that drives home the point that the person being insulted is ultimately a letdown – a desperate attempt at excitement that ends up being a disappointment.
50. Tu cerebro debe estar en modo avión.
In Spanish, there are plenty of creative ways to let someone know that you’re not happy with them.
One particularly interesting insult is “Tu cerebro debe estar en modo avión.” or “Your brain must be in airplane mode.”
It’s a witty way of suggesting that the person you’re talking to is not fully present or engaged with the conversation.
This phrase not only points out their lack of attention but also implies a certain level of disconnect.
So, the next time you encounter someone who appears to be checked out, remember this clever insult and let them know in a playful way that you’re not having it.
My final thoughts on insults in Spanish
By exploring the different insults in Spanish, we’ve seen how language can expand our knowledge of cultures around the world.
We have also learned that there are many different forms an insult can take and no one is off limits. English speakers need to be aware of those distinctions in order to understand what other people may mean when they exchange insults.
Learning new language skills is a great way to connect with others and it can even open up opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t exist.
As you become more fluent in Spanish, you will be able to express yourself accurately as well as understand the cultural norms and nuances that come with using language correctly.
Practice makes perfect and embracing every challenge along the way, even when it involves mastering profanities, can help you learn faster!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
