pupa
/ˈpu.pa/
The Polish word for bum is pupa.
The word pupa is used to refer to the buttocks.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Which one should you use?
pupa is a mild and often childish term, whereas dupa is a much more vulgar and common way to say 'ass' in Polish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pupa is an informal, slightly childish or euphemistic way to refer to the buttocks, similar to saying 'bottom' or 'bum' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pupa is pupy.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpu.pa/
Did you know?
- The word pupa shares a potential ancestor with the Latin word puppis, which refers to the 'stern' or 'aft' of a ship.
- While pupa refers to the body part, the more vulgar version dupa is used in dozens of Polish idioms to describe failure, bad luck or a remote location.
Examples in context
- Przepraszam, ale twój tyłek zasłania widok.Excuse me, but your bum is blocking the view.
- Policjant sprawdził jego pośladki podczas przesłuchania.The policeman checked his bum during the interrogation.
- Spadłam na dupę i wszyscy się śmiali.I fell on my bum, and everyone was laughing.
- Zobacz tę małą rybkę na swoim zadku!Look at that little fish on your bum!
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Agnieszka are helping a child get dressed.
- KrzysztofAgnieszka, czy ta pupa jest już czysta?Agnieszka, is this bum clean already?
- AgnieszkaTak, Krzysztof, wszystko jest w porządku.Yes, Krzysztof, everything is fine.
- KrzysztofTo załóżmy teraz pieluszkę.Then let's put on the diaper now.
- AgnieszkaDobrze, pomóż mi go trzymać.Okay, help me hold him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
