cállate vago
/kaʝate baɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shut up bum" is translated into Spanish as cállate vago.
This phrase is an insulting command to stop talking, used toward someone who is lazy or unemployed.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase cállate vago is highly informal and is considered an insult or a rude command.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing the person directly, a comma is used to separate the command from the noun used as a vocative, as in cállate, vago. To address a group of people, the verb changes to the plural cállense and the noun becomes vagos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝate baɡo/
Did you know?
- The word vago shares a linguistic root with the English word 'vague', as both stem from the Latin idea of wandering or being unsettled.
- Spanish speakers often use the diminutive vaguito to express a sense of condescension or to mock someone's laziness in a patronizing way.
- In certain contexts, vago can be used affectionately between very close friends as a teasing nickname, though using it with cállate usually removes that warmth.
Example conversation
Lucía is tired of Javier complaining while he does nothing all day.
- JavierNo quiero limpiar mi cuarto ahora.I don't want to clean my room now.
- Lucía¡Cállate vago! Llevas todo el día durmiendo.Shut up bum! You've been sleeping all day.
- JavierSolo necesito un descanso más.I just need one more break.
- LucíaNo más excusas, levántate ya.No more excuses, get up now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
