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).
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