coger
What does coger mean? coger is a Spanish severe that translates to “to take (Spain) / to fuck (Latin America)” in English.
Literal Translation
to take / to catch / to seize
Meaning & Usage
"to take (Spain) / to fuck (Latin America)"
In Spain: to take, grab, or catch (public transportation, objects). In Latin America: to have sexual intercourse.
Examples in the Wild
Spain: Voy a coger un taxi. (I'm going to take a taxi.) vs Mexico: Quieren coger todo el día. (They want to fuck all day.)
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
FAMOUS FALSE FRIEND. Spanish tourists often cause shock or laughter by saying 'Voy a coger el autobús' (I'm going to fuck the bus) in Buenos Aires or Mexico City, when they mean 'I'm going to take the bus'. In Latin America, use 'tomar' or 'agarrar' instead for 'take'. In Spain, 'coger' is completely innocent and essential vocabulary. The sexual meaning dominates from Mexico southward, except in Caribbean regions where 'coger' can still mean 'to get' or 'to pick up'.
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