cabrón
What does cabrón mean? cabrón is a Spanish strong that translates to “bastard / asshole / dude (friendly)” in English.
Literal Translation
big goat / billy goat
Meaning & Usage
"bastard / asshole / dude (friendly)"
Originally referring to a cuckolded husband (man with horns). Now means bastard, asshole, or tough guy. Among friends in Spain and Mexico, can mean 'dude' or 'badass'.
Examples in the Wild
¡Qué cabrón eres! (What a bastard you are! / You're such a badass!) - Tone determines meaning.
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Highly context-dependent. Between close friends with friendly tone, it's a term of endearment ('¿Qué onda, cabrón?'). With aggressive tone, it's a serious insult implying the person is mean, stupid, or cuckolded. In Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, 'cabron' is stronger than in Mexico. The feminine 'cabrona' usually implies a tough or unpleasant woman.
More in Spanish 🇪🇸
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“wanker / lazy bastard / flake”
Someone who masturbates a lot; figuratively, a supremely lazy person or someone who talks a lot but never follows through.
comemierda
“arrogant prick / stuck-up bitch / full of shit”
A deeply arrogant, conceited person who thinks they are better than everyone else, or alternatively, a complete fool.
la concha de la lora
“for fuck's sake / godfuckingdammit”
An exclamation of extreme frustration, surprise, or anger. It vividly expresses that a situation has gone completely wrong.
follar
“to fuck / to shag”
To have sexual intercourse. It is the absolute standard vulgar verb for sex in Spain.
mierda
“shit”
Universal expletive expressing frustration, disappointment, or describing something of poor quality. Mild to moderate offense depending on context.
conchatumare / CTM
“motherfucker / holy fuck”
The ultimate expression of pain, anger, or amazement in Chile and Peru.
cojones
“balls / nerve / guts”
Testicles; metaphorically courage, nerve, or audacity. Also used in countless expressions indicating emphasis or frustration.
pija
“dick / upper-class snob (in Spain)”
Penis in Argentina, Uruguay, and Central America. BUT in Spain, it means a preppy, wealthy, snobbish girl.