bobo
casual, teasing
A gentle way to call someone a "dummy" in Puerto Rico is bobo, and tonto works the same way.
Meaning: teasing word for a silly person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| bobo | casual, teasing |
| tonto | casual |
Between friends or family bobo is teasing and often affectionate. Said angrily, it is an insult.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use boba or tonta for a woman.
What mistakes should you avoid?
There are much harsher words for a stupid person, and some are vulgar. Bobo and tonto are the mild options.
Did you know?
- In Spanish bobo is also the word for a child's pacifier in some places, so its meaning depends on the sentence.
Examples in context
- No seas bobo, ven a comer.Do not be silly, come and eat.
- Ay, qué tonta soy.Oh, how silly I am.
Example conversation
Lucía teases her brother Carlos after he locks his keys in the car.
- LucíaCarlos, ¿dejaste las llaves dentro del carro?Carlos, did you leave the keys inside the car?
- CarlosSí, qué bobo soy.Yes, I am such a dummy.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, yo tengo la copia.Do not worry, I have the spare.
