chiflado
informal
When "nuts" means crazy, Spanish speakers say chiflado or loco. In Spain a very popular slang phrase is estar como una cabra, literally "to be like a goat".
Meaning: crazy, out of one's mind (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chiflado | informal |
| Estar como una cabra | Spain, informal |
| Loco | everyday |
Estás loco and estás chiflado are teasing and usually friendly between friends. Está como una cabra describes someone who does odd or wild things.
Which one should you use?
Loco is the plain everyday word and can also be a neutral description. Chiflado is lighter and a bit playful, while estar como una cabra is the most colorful of the three.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Estar como una cabra is typical of Spain and is understood in Latin America, but people there more often just use loco or estar loco.
What mistakes should you avoid?
This page is about "nuts" meaning crazy. The food and the slang for body parts use different words, so do not use these forms for them.
Did you know?
- The phrase estar como una cabra is used for someone playfully eccentric, and goats are known for their unpredictable jumping.
Examples in context
- Estás chiflado si crees que voy a saltar de ahí.You are nuts if you think I will jump from there.
- Mi tío está como una cabra, pero es muy divertido.My uncle is nuts, but he is a lot of fun.
- Esa idea es una locura.That idea is nuts.
Example conversation
Marta and her friend Sergio talk about a plan to swim in the sea in winter.
- SergioVoy a meterme en el mar en enero.I am going to get in the sea in January.
- Marta¿En enero? Estás como una cabra.In January? You are nuts.
- SergioEs que me encanta el agua fría.I just love cold water.
