paleto
/paˈleto/masculine
The English term redneck can be translated into Spanish as paleto.
The term paleto is used to describe an uneducated or unsophisticated person. It is a derogatory and colloquial term.
Meaning: uneducated, unsophisticated person (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes its ending based on gender and number. Use paleta when referring to a female. Use the masculine plural paletos for a group of men or a mixed group, and the feminine plural paletas when referring specifically to a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈleto/
Did you know?
- While paleto describes an unsophisticated person, the word paleta also means 'popsicle' in many Latin American countries.
- While 'redneck' in English evokes an image of someone working in the sun, paleto derives its meaning from the word for a small shovel or a palette, carrying no actual connection to skin color or sun exposure.
- If you use paleto in parts of Latin America, you might be met with confusion, as many of these regions prefer terms like campesino or more localized slang to describe someone from a rural area.
Examples in context
- No me gusta hablar con ese paleto.I don't like talking to that redneck.
- Ese paleto no sabe ni leer bien.That redneck doesn't even know how to read well.
- Parece un paleto con esa ropa.He looks like a redneck in those clothes.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are gossiping about a neighbor at a party.
- AlejandroEse vecino es un auténtico paleto.That neighbor is a real redneck.
- LucíaEs verdad, Alejandro, es muy grosero.It's true, Alejandro, he is very rude.
- AlejandroNo tiene nada de clase.He has no class at all.
- LucíaTienes razón, es un tipo difícil.You are right, he is a difficult guy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “redneck” translations and entries paleto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paleto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
