zoquete
/θoˈkete/
The Spanish word for chump is zoquete.
The term zoquete is used to describe someone who is dim-witted or easily fooled.
Meaning: gullible person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, zoquete refers to a stub or block of wood.
Which one should you use?
While zoquete describes a dim-witted person, other terms provide different nuances. Iluso/a describes someone who is gullible or credulous, while incauto/a refers to someone who is unsuspecting or easily deceived.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to more than one chump, use the plural form zoquetes.
How do you pronounce it?
/θoˈkete/
Did you know?
- The word zoquete may have roots in the Celtic word tsucca, a distant relative of the English word 'stub'.
- In some contexts, zoquete is used as a mild, almost affectionate tease among friends, rather than a harsh insult.
- In a professional woodworking setting, the term zoquete refers to the physical block of wood used to support a workpiece, rather than an insult to a person.
Examples in context
- Es un incauto/a si piensa que no tiene ninguna responsabilidad en el asunto.He/she is gullible if he/she thinks he/she has no responsibility in the matter.
- Ese pendejo no sabe lo que dice.That idiot doesn't know what he's saying.
- No seas iluso/a, ellos solo están buscando aprovecharse de ti.Don't be gullible, they're just looking to take advantage of you.
Example conversation
Daniel tells Lucía about a scam he almost believed.
- DanielCasi compro ese producto falso.I almost bought that fake product.
- LucíaNo puedes ser tan zoquete, Daniel.You can't be such a chump, Daniel.
- DanielParecía una oferta real.It looked like a real offer.
- LucíaTen más cuidado la próxima vez.Be more careful next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zoquete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zoquete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
