Literal vs actual meaning: when foreign swearing gets weird
Translate a swear word word-for-word and you often get something baffling. That gap is where the fun lives.
Translate a swear word literally and you'll often end up somewhere strange — a barnyard, a bakery, a family tree. The literal sense and the conversational punch are frequently miles apart.
Each one comes with its literal translation and what it actually means when someone says it.
- 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 → - cabrón 4/5 · Strong
It's a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard, though it can also be used in a more friendly or admiring way depending on context. Literally, it means 'male goat.'
Full entry → - merde 3/5 · Vulgar
This means 'shit' and can express frustration, surprise, or describe something of poor quality. It literally translates to 'excrement.'
Full entry → - cacasotto 3/5 · Vulgar
This is an insult aimed at someone considered a coward, suggesting they are weak or afraid. Literally, it translates to 'person who soils themselves.'
Full entry → - 개뿔 2/5 · Coarse
gaeppul
This term refers to something worthless and is used to dismiss a claim as nonsense. It literally translates to 'dog horn.'
Full entry → - merda 3/5 · Vulgar
It means 'shit' and can also refer to something of poor quality. It's a direct term for excrement.
Full entry → - チンカス 3/5 · Vulgar
chinkasu
Literally “penis scum”. A derogatory term for someone perceived as worthless or contemptible
Full entry → - بيضان 3/5 · Vulgar
bidan
This is a vulgar Egyptian term used to describe things that are annoying or tedious, literally translating to 'testicles.'
Full entry → - blbost 1/5 · Mild
Literally “stupidity”. It means nonsense or a stupid thing. It's a mild way to dismiss something as foolish.
Full entry → - fanden 3/5 · Vulgar
This is an exclamation that translates to 'the devil.' It's often used to express frustration or surprise, similar to saying 'damn' in English.
Full entry →