Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| en el culo del mundo | /en el kulo del mundo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| andurrial | /anduˈrjal/ | masculine |
The phrase is used to describe a remote place. You can also use the informal expression En la quinta pata del gato, which literally means 'in the fifth leg of the cat'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en el culo del mundo literally translates to 'in the ass of the world'.
Which one should you use?
While en el culo del mundo can be used to mean 'in the middle of nowhere', it is often used for emphasis or comedic effect in casual settings. For polite or formal conversation, use en medio de la nada.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
En el culo del mundo is an informal and vulgar way to express that a place is extremely remote. In contrast, en medio de la nada is the standard, neutral way to say 'in the middle of nowhere' without using vulgarity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, En mitad de la nada is more commonly used and the vulgar option En el culo del mundo is also used there. In many Latin American countries, you may hear En el medio del monte.
Did you know?
- The word mundo comes from the Latin mundus. In its earliest forms, this Latin word referred not just to the universe but specifically to 'cleanliness' and 'ornament', suggesting the world as a decorated or ordered place.
- Depending on the region, andurrial can refer to both a remote place and the people who live there. It can be used as a noun to describe someone from a provincial or backward area.
- The Spanish word el is a false cognate of the Arabic definite article al. Despite the heavy influence of Arabic on the Spanish language, this specific word comes from the Latin ille.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está la casa de Javier? Está en medio de la nada, rodeada de campos verdes y montañas. Es un lugar muy tranquilo. Ah, entiendo. ¡Debe ser un buen sitio para desconectar y alejarse de todo!Where is Javier's house? It's in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by green fields and mountains. It's a very peaceful place. Ah, I see. It must be a great place to disconnect and get away from it all!
- Su casa está en el culo del mundo.His house is in the middle of nowhere.
- Vivimos en el culo del mundo, sin internet.We live in the middle of nowhere, without internet.
- Ese pueblo está en el culo del mundo.That town is in the middle of nowhere.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a remote hiking trip.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir de camping a esa montaña?Do you want to go camping on that mountain?
- JavierNo, está en el culo del mundo.No, it is in the middle of nowhere.
- SofíaEs verdad, no hay nada cerca.It's true, there is nothing nearby.
- JavierPrefiero quedarme en la ciudad.I prefer to stay in the city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle of nowhere” translations and entries andurrial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andurrial, culo, del, el, en, mundo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
