carajo
What does carajo mean? carajo is a Spanish moderate that translates to “fuck / damn / hell” in English.
Literal Translation
crow's nest (on a ship)
Meaning & Usage
"fuck / damn / hell"
Generic interjection expressing frustration, surprise, or emphasis. Also refers to a distant or undesirable place ('vete al carajo' = go to hell).
Examples in the Wild
¡Vete al carajo! (Go to hell! / Fuck off!)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- As a spontaneous exclamation
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Common throughout Latin America and Spain. 'Vete al carajo' means 'go to hell' or 'go fuck yourself'. In Argentina, used in nationalist chants ('Viva la patria, carajo!'). Milder than 'chinga' or 'joder' in most contexts. The diminutive 'carajito' in Colombia/Venezuela refers to annoying children. Some theories connect it to the Cargados Carajos islands, implying 'send to a distant place'.
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“arrogant prick / stuck-up bitch / full of shit”
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An exclamation of extreme frustration, surprise, or anger. It vividly expresses that a situation has gone completely wrong.
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“to fuck / to shag”
To have sexual intercourse. It is the absolute standard vulgar verb for sex in Spain.
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“shit”
Universal expletive expressing frustration, disappointment, or describing something of poor quality. Mild to moderate offense depending on context.
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The ultimate expression of pain, anger, or amazement in Chile and Peru.
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“balls / nerve / guts”
Testicles; metaphorically courage, nerve, or audacity. Also used in countless expressions indicating emphasis or frustration.
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“dick / upper-class snob (in Spain)”
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