cojones
What does cojones mean? cojones is a Spanish moderate that translates to “balls / nerve / guts” in English.
Literal Translation
testicles / balls
Meaning & Usage
"balls / nerve / guts"
Testicles; metaphorically courage, nerve, or audacity. Also used in countless expressions indicating emphasis or frustration.
Examples in the Wild
Hay que tener cojones para hacer eso. (It takes balls to do that.)
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Central to Spanish expressions of courage ('tener cojones' = to have balls). 'Hace lo que le sale de los cojones' (he does whatever the fuck he wants). 'Tocar los cojones' (to annoy someone - literally 'to touch their balls'). 'Me importa un cojón' (I don't give a damn). Widely accepted in masculine-coded speech but considered vulgar in formal settings. The feminine use is less common but exists ('tener cojones' can apply to women showing bravery).
More in Spanish 🇪🇸
View all →puta
“whore / bitch / fucking (as intensifier)”
Prostitute or promiscuous woman; used as general expletive or intensifier. When combined with 'madre' becomes extremely severe.
pajero
“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 madre que te parió
“you son of a bitch / goddammit to hell”
An exclamation of anger, frustration, or bewildered amazement directed at someone. It leaves the actual insult unsaid but heavily implied.
chingar
“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.
concha
“cunt / pussy”
Seashell in Spain and most of Latin America; vulgar slang for female genitalia in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, and parts of Mexico.
pelotudo
“idiot / moron / dumbass”
Stupid person, idiot. Similar to boludo but slightly more insulting in Argentina.
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.