caca
/ˈkaka/
The English phrase "kak" corresponds to the Spanish word caca.
caca is a childish word used to refer to feces, meaning "poop" or "poo".
Which one should you use?
caca is a mild, childish term, whereas mierda is the much more vulgar and offensive equivalent meaning "shit". Additionally, cagada is a slang term used as a vulgar way to say "shit" or "crap".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
caca is an informal term used primarily by children or when speaking to children. It is considered much milder than more vulgar terms for excrement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, popó is commonly used among children and in informal situations. In Argentina, you will often hear the diminutive form caquita.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaka/
Did you know?
- While caca is childish, adults in some regions use the phrase está hecho una caca to describe someone who looks exhausted or physically worn out.
- The Spanish verb cagar actually comes from the same root as caca, meaning the two words are linguistic siblings.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word caca is used to describe something of very poor quality or a failed attempt, similar to how an English speaker might say 'this is rubbish'.
Examples in context
- El bebé hizo caca en el pañal.The baby did a poop in the diaper.
- Perdón por hablar de caca en la cena.Sorry for talking about poop during dinner.
- No pises la mierda del perro en el parque.Don't step on the dog poop in the park.
- El partido de fútbol fue una cagada, perdimos por goleada.The soccer match was crap, we lost by a landslide.
- Ese cuadro es un mamarracho, no entiendo cómo lo vendieron tan caro.That painting is ugly, I don't understand how they sold it for so much.
- El vestido que lleva puesto es un verdadero mamarracho.The dress she's wearing is a real eyesore.
- El perro hizo caca en la alfombra.The dog made poop on the rug.
- ¡Mira, hay caca en el parque!Look, there is poop in the park!
- Mi hijo no quiere limpiar su caca.My son does not want to clean up his poop.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are walking through a garden.
- Lucía¡Cuidado, Alejandro, hay caca en el camino!Watch out, Alejandro, there is poop on the path!
- Alejandro¡Uy! Gracias por avisarme, Lucía.Oof! Thanks for warning me, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Es de un perro grande?Is it from a big dog?
- AlejandroParece que sí.It looks like it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
