pirobo / piropo

piˈɾo.βocharacter attack, regional

What does pirobo / piropo mean? pirobo / piropo is a Spanish strong that translates to “bastard / jerk / scumbag” in English.

unknown origin (possibly thief)

01

"bastard / jerk / scumbag"

Unpleasant person, jerk, or thief. Specific to Colombia.

Ese pirobo no me devolvió el dinero. (That bastard didn't return my money.)

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

Common in Colombian Spanish, particularly in Bogotá. 'Pirobo' implies a low-class, untrustworthy, or annoying person. Not universally understood outside Colombia. Sometimes used affectionately among close friends in Bogotá, but generally negative. The feminine 'piroba' is less common.

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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.

2 / 5anatomical, courage

cojones

koˈxo.nes

balls / nerve / guts

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

4 / 5anatomical, false friend

pija

ˈpi.xa

dick / upper-class snob (in Spain)

Penis in Argentina, Uruguay, and Central America. BUT in Spain, it means a preppy, wealthy, snobbish girl.