culero
What does culero mean? culero is a Spanish severe that translates to “total asshole / coward / cheapskate” in English.
Literal Translation
ass-man / one dealing with asses
Meaning & Usage
"total asshole / coward / cheapskate"
A deeply selfish, unfair, or cowardly person; alternatively, a situation that is terribly unfortunate.
Examples in the Wild
When a friend abandons you at a bar to go home with someone: 'Qué culero eres, güey.'
Regional Variations
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
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
In Mexico, 'culero' is a harsh, biting insult. If your friend doesn't invite you to a party, they are being 'culero'. If a boss fires someone over text, that's 'culero'. Historically it carried homophobic connotations (related to receiving anal sex), but modern usage is predominantly about someone being a terrible, unfeeling friend or a coward. A staple of Mexican arguments.
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.