Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escandaloso | /eskandaˈloso/ | |
| cuatiquero | /kwatikeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | Chile |
escandaloso is used to describe something that causes or has the nature of a scandal. It is similar in meaning to words like despicable, disgraceful or shameful. You may also encounter polémico(a), which is used to describe situations or topics that generate controversy, including scandalous ones.
Which one should you use?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the word escabroso(a) is used to mean scandalous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, the term cuatiquero is a regionalism used to denote something scandalous or shameful. Additionally, escabroso(a) is used in some Latin American countries like Argentina and Uruguay to mean scandalous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the noun it describes: use the feminine form escandalosa for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form escandalosos for masculine or mixed-gender groups and the feminine plural form escandalosas for groups of feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskandaˈloso/
Did you know?
- The root of escandaloso comes from the Ancient Greek word skándalon, which originally referred to the triggerstick of a trap or a stumbling block.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone escandaloso can refer to their volume or loudness rather than their morals.
- The word escandaloso can also be used to describe an exaggerated or outrageous amount of something, such as 'un precio escandaloso' for a price.
Examples in context
- Las acusaciones son escandalosasThe accusations are scandalous
- El video del cantante se volvió polémico rápidamenteThe singer's video quickly became scandalous
- Las revelaciones del informe son escandalosasThe revelations in the report are scandalous
- Ese comportamiento fue muy escandaloso.That behavior was very scandalous.
- El precio de esa joya es escandaloso.The price of that jewel is scandalous.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a recent news report.
- Daniel¿Viste el reporte sobre el político?Did you see the report about the politician?
- MaríaSí, fue un caso escandaloso.Yes, it was a scandalous case.
- DanielEs realmente vergonzoso.It is really shameful.
- MaríaTotalmente, Daniel.Totally, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scandalous” translations and entries escandaloso, 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 escandaloso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
