troglodita
/tɾoɡloˈdita/
The English phrase knuckle dragger is translated into Spanish as troglodita.
Like the English term, troglodita is used metaphorically to insult someone's intelligence or social sophistication, implying that they are primitive or uncivilized.
How does it change in a sentence?
troglodita is a common-gender noun. This means it uses the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects, with only the article changing (el troglodita / la troglodita).
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾoɡloˈdita/
Did you know?
- The term is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it entered Spanish through formal academic or scientific study rather than through common street slang.
- The word troglodita traces its roots back to a Greek word for 'holes', specifically referring to the act of 'getting into' a hole.
- In Spanish, calling someone a troglodita is often more about their lack of cultural refinement than a lack of actual intelligence.
Examples in context
- Ese hombre es un auténtico troglodita.That man is a real knuckle dragger.
- No seas un troglodita y aprende modales.Don't be a knuckle dragger and learn some manners.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a rude coworker at a cafe.
- DanielEl nuevo jefe es un troglodita.The new boss is a knuckle dragger.
- ElenaTienes razón, es muy maleducado.You're right, he is very rude.
- DanielNo sabe ni cómo hablar con la gente.He doesn't even know how to talk to people.
- ElenaEs un comportamiento de troglodita total.It is total knuckle dragger behavior.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry troglodita, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries troglodita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
