gilipollas

ˌxi.liˈpo.ʎascharacter attack, compound insult

What does gilipollas mean? gilipollas is a Spanish strong that translates to “asshole / jerk / dumbass / twat” in English.

foolish penis / stupid dick (gil- possibly from Latin 'gullus' - rooster, pollas - cocks)

01

"asshole / jerk / dumbass / twat"

Person who behaves with unjustified arrogance, lacks self-awareness, or displays incompetence coupled with self-satisfaction. Specific to Spain.

Ese tío es un gilipollas, no sabe ni lo que habla. (That guy is an asshole/jerk, he doesn't even know what he's talking about.)

Context

  • Informal settings where profanity is accepted
  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

The most commonly used insult in Spain according to Nebrija University studies (2020). Describes someone who is not just stupid, but stupid in a way that causes annoyance or harm to others. Often used for people who display blatant incompetence without realizing it. Milder than 'hijo de puta' but still offensive. The shortened form 'gil' is less severe.

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3 / 5character attack, sexual act

pajero

paˈxe.ɾo

wanker / lazy bastard / flake

Someone who masturbates a lot; figuratively, a supremely lazy person or someone who talks a lot but never follows through.

4 / 5scatological, character attack

comemierda

ˌko.meˈmjeɾ.ða

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.

4 / 5exclamation, anatomical

la concha de la lora

la ˈkon.tʃa ðe la ˈlo.ɾa

for fuck's sake / godfuckingdammit

An exclamation of extreme frustration, surprise, or anger. It vividly expresses that a situation has gone completely wrong.

4 / 5verb, sexual

follar

foˈʎaɾ

to fuck / to shag

To have sexual intercourse. It is the absolute standard vulgar verb for sex in Spain.

2 / 5exclamation, scatological

mierda

ˈmjeɾ.ða

shit

Universal expletive expressing frustration, disappointment, or describing something of poor quality. Mild to moderate offense depending on context.

5 / 5family insult, exclamation

conchatumare / CTM

ˌkon.tʃa.tuˈma.ɾe

motherfucker / holy fuck

The ultimate expression of pain, anger, or amazement in Chile and Peru.

4 / 5anatomical, regional variant

concha

ˈkon.tʃa

cunt / pussy

Seashell in Spain and most of Latin America; vulgar slang for female genitalia in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, and parts of Mexico.

2 / 5anatomical, courage

cojones

koˈxo.nes

balls / nerve / guts

Testicles; metaphorically courage, nerve, or audacity. Also used in countless expressions indicating emphasis or frustration.