La Lista Unoficial de Grocerias Mexicanas
Welcome to Chrissy's unofficial list of Mexican swear words and gestures! Part of the fun of learning to communicate in another language is learning how the folks here like to express themselves in a less-than-polite manner. My knowledge of the following grocerias ("rudenesses") comes from friends, television, and careful observation in public places, but I absolve myself of all responsibility if the translation into English is not completely accurate.
Warning: This page is designed for persons with a serious interest in obtaining an objective view of Mexican verbal foulness. My knowledge of these terms in no way suggests that (1) I approve of their usage, or (2) I myself use them regularly. If you have a weak constitution, subscribe to linguistic proscriptivism, are morally opposed to nasty language, or are Mom and Dad, I strongly urge you to click your back button immediately.
First, a few things to note about Mexican grocerias:
(1) A great number of grocerias involve rude actions against one's mother. It has been explained to me that to insult one's mother in Mexico is much stronger than to insult oneself, as the Mexican madre is a sacred concept.
(2) Many grocerias can also be used in an endearing manner, depending upon the context and tone of voice. Friends can refer to each other as "pendejos," and a guy can call his girlfriend "cabroncita" with no serious repercussions. It's really all about reading tone and intention of the speaker.
I have organized the following grocerias by the context in which they might be used.
General Foulness
cabron = rougly speaking, asshole
pendejo = like cabron, asshole, though with an understanding that the pendejo is more of an idiot, whereas the cabron may be clever but still a jerk
guey (pronounced "hwey") = sort of the equivalent of English "man" or "dude," though kids don't want to say it in front of their parents. Said among friends as a nickname, but can also be used to incite fights.
pinche = not sure on the spelling here, but this term is generally used as an adjective to mean "f**king." For example, when someone is angry that there is a large amount of traffic, they may say "pinche trafico."
hijo de puta = son of a bitch (or, literally, "son of a whore"). "Puta" can also be used in its masculine form, "puto," as a general groceria against males.
Insults Against One's Mother
chinga tu madre = literally, "f**k your mother." A widespread groceria with many subtle contextual distinctions. For emphasis, this phrase can be preceded or followed by "en todas maneras," meaning, "in all ways."
the whistle (5 short whistles, sort of in the melody of Woody Woodpecker's laugh) = chinga tu madre. This whistle can be heard echoing throughout the crowd at sporting events; it is very easy to hear the phrase "chinga tu madre" within the syllables of the whistle.
the gesture (making a fist with your hand and throwing your fist behind your shoulder, as though you are trying to hit something behind you) = chinga tu madre. This gesture can be made in repeated succession or with both hands for emphasis.
Things Nasty Mexican Men Say to Women on the Street
Note:These grocerias (with the exception of mamacita) are prime examples of words that, in other contexts, are perfectly acceptable and uninsulting.
preciosa = precious, sweet
guapissima = very pretty
sabrosa = tasty
deliciosa = delicious
mamacita = literally, little mama
Rude Ways to Refer to Homosexuals
words: punal (n pronounced "ny"), which literally means "dagger;" maricon; joto; mariposo; lilo
gestures: the limp wrist; striking the side of the fist against the heart (a symbol that, in the U.S., may mean "strength" or "brotherhood")
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