What did I just hear? Foreign swears English speakers commonly mishear
The sound reaches your ears before the spelling does. Here's how some famous foreign swears land on an English ear.
You almost never hear a foreign swear word spelled out — you hear a sound, and your brain reaches for the nearest English letters. That's exactly the problem Swear Atlas is built to solve.
Here are some expressions alongside how they tend to land on an English ear. Type any of these “heard-it-as” spellings into the search box and the atlas should find the real word.
- μαλάκας 3/5 · Vulgar
malákas
Often heard as “ma la kas”. 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
Often heard as “cabron”. 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
Often heard as “maird”. 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
Often heard as “ka ka sot to”. 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
Often heard as “geh ppul”. This term refers to something worthless and is used to dismiss a claim as nonsense. It literally translates to 'dog horn.'
Full entry → - duperele 2/5 · Coarse
Often heard as “doo peh reh leh”. It refers to trivial things or unimportant rubbish. Essentially, it's a way of dismissing something as not worth your time.
Full entry → - merda 3/5 · Vulgar
Often heard as “mairda”. It means 'shit' and can also refer to something of poor quality. It's a direct term for excrement.
Full entry → - أحا 3/5 · Vulgar
aha
Often heard as “ah ha”. This is an Egyptian exclamation used to express shock, disbelief, or protest. It's a strong reaction that can convey a range of emotions depending on the context.
Full entry → - blbost 1/5 · Mild
Often heard as “bl bost”. It means nonsense or a stupid thing. It's a mild way to dismiss something as foolish.
Full entry → - fandeme 3/5 · Vulgar
Often heard as “fan duh muh”. This is an emphatic way to say 'damn well.' It's used to add intensity to statements.
Full entry →