chingar
What does chingar mean? chingar is a Spanish severe that translates to “to fuck / to screw / to mess with” in English.
Literal Translation
to fuck (possibly from Basque 'txingartu' - to burn with coal)
Meaning & Usage
"to fuck / to screw / to mess with"
Ubiquitous Mexican verb with dozens of meanings including to bother, ruin, steal, drink heavily, or engage in sexual activity. The center of Mexican profanity.
Examples in the Wild
No me chingues, güey. (Don't fuck with me, dude.)
When to Use It
Context
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Only among very close friends who share this register
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
- Mixed company or unfamiliar social groups
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
The most versatile and culturally significant swear word in Mexico. Octavio Paz wrote extensively about 'la chingada' as a concept of violation and pain in Mexican culture. Derivatives include: chingado (damned/fucked), chingón (awesome/badass), chinga tu madre (fuck your mother), chingadera (fucking thing/trash). Considered vulgar and offensive in most contexts but acceptable among close male friends.
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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.
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“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.
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“for fuck's sake / godfuckingdammit”
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.
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.
sapo hijueputa
“fucking snitch / rat bastard”
A highly offensive term for someone who informs on others, gossips, or snitches, combined with a maternal insult.