Turkish
10 Turkish swear words you'll actually hear
A traveller's shortlist of Turkish expletives, insults and exclamations — what they mean, and how strong they are.
Every language swears differently. This guide collects 10 Turkish 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.
- amına koyayım 5/5 · Extreme
This is a very vulgar curse or exclamation, often used to express frustration or anger. While it literally means 'let me put it in the vulva,' the sexual connotation is usually not the focus in casual use.
Full entry → - bok 3/5 · Vulgar
It means 'shit' and can refer to something worthless or be used as an exclamation. It's a straightforward term for excrement.
Full entry → - piç 4/5 · Strong
Literally “child born outside marriage”. It's a strong insult similar to calling someone a bastard. It carries a stigmatizing connotation related to their birth status.
Full entry → - pezevenk 4/5 · Strong
It's a strong personal insult similar to calling someone a bastard or scoundrel. While it literally means 'pimp', it's often used in a non-literal sense to demean someone.
Full entry → - şerefsiz 3/5 · Vulgar
It's a strong insult aimed at someone perceived as dishonourable or lacking integrity. Literally, it means 'without honour.'
Full entry → - bok yemek 3/5 · Vulgar
It means to do something foolish or objectionable. Literally, it translates to 'eat shit.'
Full entry → - hassiktir 4/5 · Strong
This is a strong expression of shock or disbelief, often used when something unexpected happens. It conveys a sense of being taken aback or overwhelmed.
Full entry → - lanet olsun 3/5 · Vulgar
This is an exclamation used to express frustration or annoyance, similar to saying 'damn it.' It literally translates to 'let it be cursed.'
Full entry → - taşak 3/5 · Vulgar
This refers to testicles, but it's often used in a more vulgar or figurative sense. It can imply a lack of courage or be used mockingly in certain contexts.
Full entry →