Greek
10 Greek swear words you'll actually hear
A traveller's shortlist of Greek expletives, insults and exclamations — what they mean, and how strong they are.
Every language swears differently. This guide collects 10 Greek expressions you're genuinely likely to hear — from mild exclamations to properly strong stuff — and explains what each one actually means, not just its dictionary translation.
Burn Ratings are an approximate, cross-language heuristic. Context, region, tone and who's speaking all change how a word lands. Treat these as a guide, not gospel.
- μαλάκας 3/5 · Vulgar
malákas
It's an insult for a jerk or fool, but can also be a familiar term among friends. The literal translation is 'wanker.'
Full entry → - γαμιέσαι 4/5 · Strong
gamiésai
It's a hostile expression similar to saying 'fuck you.' In some contexts, it can also be taken literally as 'you are fucked.'
Full entry → - σκατά 3/5 · Vulgar
skatá
It means 'shit' and can be used to express frustration or disdain, similar to calling something rubbish. The singular form, σκατό, is also related but refers to 'a piece of shit.'
Full entry → - γαμάτο 3/5 · Vulgar
gamáto
This is a slang term meaning 'awesome' or 'great.' It has a sexual origin but is used positively.
Full entry → - γαμώ 4/5 · Strong
gamó
It means 'fuck' and is used as a vulgar sexual verb or as part of a curse. It can also be directed at objects in a curse.
Full entry → - αρχίδια 3/5 · Vulgar
archídia
This is a vulgar exclamation used to express disbelief or contempt, similar to saying 'bollocks' in English. It literally translates to 'testicles.'
Full entry → - παπάρας 3/5 · Vulgar
papáras
This is an insult aimed at someone perceived as a fool or an obnoxious person. It's often used to call someone an idiot or jerk.
Full entry → - καβλαντίζω 2/5 · Coarse
kavlantízo
This is a slang verb that refers to sexual teasing or flirting. It's not a direct insult but more about playful banter.
Full entry → - χέστηκα 3/5 · Vulgar
chéstika
It means 'I shat myself' but is often used to express indifference, like saying 'I don't give a shit.'
Full entry → - κλάνω 2/5 · Coarse
kláno
This is the Greek word for 'fart', referring to the act of passing gas. It's a straightforward bodily function term without any additional connotation.
Full entry →