promiscuo
/pɾoˈmiskwo/
The Spanish word for promiscuous is promiscuo.
The term describes someone who is indiscriminate in their choice of sexual partners.
Meaning: indiscriminate in choice of sexual partners (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word Gatero/a is used specifically to describe someone who frequently visits sex workers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: use promiscuo for masculine singular, promiscuos for masculine plural, promiscuas for feminine plural and promiscua for the feminine singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈmiskwo/
Did you know?
- While promiscuo is the direct cognate, in many Spanish-speaking countries, the slang term liviano is used to describe a person's character. It literally means 'light', implying the person lacks moral weight or is 'easy'.
- Spanish writers may use promiscuo to describe an aesthetic or a taste that blends too many clashing elements, moving beyond sexual behavior.
- The Latin root of promiscuo originally meant 'mixed' or 'confused', rather than having any sexual connotation.
Examples in context
- Los delfines son muy promiscuos.Dolphins are very promiscuous.This sentence shows how to use the adjective when describing animals.Tatoeba #8295491 by GuidoW, translation #8295406 by Amastan
- Es evidente que su comportamiento disoluto es inaceptable en un entorno profesional.It is evident that his promiscuous behavior is unacceptable in a professional environment.
- Javier es conocido en el barrio por ser un auténtico picaflor.Javier is known in the neighborhood for being a real womanizer.
- No quiero ser un hombre promiscuo.I do not want to be a promiscuous man.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mutual acquaintance's dating habits.
- LucíaCreo que Alejandro es demasiado promiscuo.I think Alejandro is too promiscuous.
- AlejandroNo estoy de acuerdo con eso, Lucía.I don't agree with that, Lucía.
- LucíaÉl tiene una pareja diferente cada semana.He has a different partner every week.
- AlejandroEso no significa que sea promiscuo.That doesn't mean he is promiscuous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promiscuous” translations and entries promiscuo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries promiscuo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
