How to Say “Bastard” in Dutch

Ways to say it

Dutch uses different words for 'bastard' depending on whether you are attacking someone's character, their birth or their behavior. While klootzak is a general insult for a contemptible person, smeerlap is used to describe a scoundrel or a dirty, dishonest person, often used as an exclamation of dismay. If you are describing something with inferior or irregular qualities, such as size or shape, you can use ondermaats or nep.

Which one should you use?

The term bastaard is more specific than klootzak. It refers to someone of illegitimate birth or a hybrid/mixed breed. For a milder, less vulgar way to call someone a jerk or a rascal, use hufter. For a highly aggressive and vulgar insult equivalent to 'son of a bitch', use hoerenjong.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

In formal contexts, when referring to an illegitimate child, use onwettig kind or onecht kind. For insults, klootzak is informal, while hufter is a milder option. Hoerenjong is considered highly vulgar and aggressive.

Related words

Of abnormal, irregular or otherwise inferior qualities (size, shape etc.) (adj): ondermaats, nep.

Exclamation of dismay (intj): smeerlap!

How do you pronounce it?

The word klootzak is pronounced /ˈkloːt.zɑk/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

When do people say it?

If someone behaves in a particularly dirty or dishonest way, a person might exclaim smeerlap! to express dismay.