pendejo
/penˈdexo/
In Spanish, "dumb a" is translated as pendejo.
The term is an insulting way to describe an individual who is foolish or someone who acts in a foolish manner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term boludo is widely used to describe someone foolish or stupid.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on gender and number: pendejo is the masculine singular, pendeja is the feminine singular, pendejos is the masculine plural (used for a group of men or a mixed-gender group) and pendejas is the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/penˈdexo/
Did you know?
- Despite its common use as an insult, the word's etymological ancestor refers to a 'comb' or even 'pubic hair'.
- While pendejo is a common insult, in some contexts, it can be used ironically between very close friends to express affection, similar to how 'idiot' is used in English.
- Using pendejo in a professional setting in most Spanish-speaking countries is considered far more offensive than calling someone 'dumb' or 'stupid' in English.
Examples in context
- No seas pendejo, presta atención.Don't be a dumbass, pay attention.
- Ese tipo es un pendejo.That guy is a dumbass.
- ¡Qué pendejo fui al creerle!How much of a fool I was to believe him!
Example conversation
María and Javier are arguing about a bad decision.
- MaríaJavier, ¿por qué compraste eso?Javier, why did you buy that?
- JavierPensé que estaba en oferta.I thought it was on sale.
- MaríaEres un pendejo, el descuento terminó ayer.You're a dumbass, the discount ended yesterday.
- JavierEstá bien, no hace falta que me insultes.Fine, you don't have to insult me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pendejo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pendejo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
