idiota
insult
In Chile "idiot" can be said as idiota, but the more local word is leso, meaning a silly or slow person. Tonto is milder and means "silly".
Meaning: insulting word for a foolish person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| idiota | insult |
| Leso | informal, Chile |
| Tonto | mild |
A friend can say no seai leso to mean "do not be silly". Tone matters, so avoid these words with people you do not know.
Which one should you use?
Leso is informal and usually mild. Idiota is a plain insult and can start a fight.
Did you know?
- Leso is a Chilean word and is rarely used in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- No seai leso.Do not be silly.
- Qué tonto fui.How foolish I was.
Example conversation
Rafael teases his brother Andrés after a small mistake at home in Santiago.
- RafaelSe te olvidaron las llaves otra vez.You forgot the keys again.
- AndrésQué leso soy.How silly I am.
- RafaelTranquilo, vuelvo a buscarlas.Relax, I will go back for them.
