joto
/ˈxoto/
joto is a Spanish slang term used in Mexico to refer to a gay man.
The term is a highly offensive and derogatory slang term used to insult gay men.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a highly offensive slang term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
This specific slang term is used primarily in Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is jotos to refer to multiple men, while the feminine form jota is used to insult a gay woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxoto/
Did you know?
- While joto is a severe insult in Mexico, it has been reclaimed by some members of the Mexican LGBTQ+ community as a political identity and a term of empowerment.
- One theory links the term to the 'J bay' of the Lecumberri prison in Mexico City, where queer men were reportedly detained.
- The word jota is also the name of a traditional Spanish folk dance and music style, which is entirely unrelated to the derogatory slang term used in Mexico.
Examples in context
- No seas joto.Don't be a sissy.
- Ese tipo es un joto.That guy is a faggot.
- No me digas joto.Don't call me a faggot.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are arguing about a comment Javier made.
- LucíaJavier, no puedes decirle joto a la gente.Javier, you can't call people faggots.
- JavierSolo estaba bromeando, Lucía.I was just joking, Lucía.
- LucíaNo es una broma, es una palabra muy ofensiva.It's not a joke, it's a very offensive word.
- JavierEstá bien, no lo diré más.Alright, I won't say it anymore.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry joto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries joto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
