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 →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 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.
puta
“whore / bitch / fucking (as intensifier)”
Prostitute or promiscuous woman; used as general expletive or intensifier. When combined with 'madre' becomes extremely severe.
puto
“fucking (intensifier) / male whore / faggot”
Male prostitute; homophobic slur; or intensifier similar to 'fucking'.
pinche
“fucking / damn / stupid”
Kitchen helper in Spain; in Mexico, a versatile intensifier meaning 'fucking' or 'damn'.
follar
“to fuck / to shag”
To have sexual intercourse. It is the absolute standard vulgar verb for sex in Spain.
pelotudo
“idiot / moron / dumbass”
Stupid person, idiot. Similar to boludo but slightly more insulting in Argentina.