Cállate, tonto
/ˈkaʝate ˈtonto/word by word
The English phrase "shut up, dummy" is translated into Spanish as Cállate, tonto.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings, the word idiota is a common alternative to tonto, though it carries a more aggressive tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people use ¡Cierra el pico, memo! In Mexico, ¡Cállate, tonto! is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a female, you must change the adjective to the feminine form tonta to say Cállate, tonta. To address a group of people, use the plural verb form Cállense and the plural adjective tontos.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, tonto is often used as a term of endearment between couples or close friends, turning the 'dummy' insult into a sign of affection.
- One theory suggests tonto comes from the Latin word tondeo, meaning 'to shear'. This implies that calling someone a 'dummy' is like calling them a shorn sheep.
- In Spain, the expression Cierra el pico literally translates to 'close the beak', treating the speaker's mouth like that of a bird.
Examples in context
- Cállate, tonto, no me molestes.Shut up, dummy, don't bother me.
- ¡Cállate, tonto! Estoy tratando de estudiar.Shut up, dummy! I am trying to study.
- Cállate, tonto, ya sabemos la respuesta.Shut up, dummy, we already know the answer.
Example conversation
Two siblings are arguing while playing a video game.
- Lucía¡No es cierto, Alejandro!It is not true, Alejandro!
- AlejandroSí lo es, perdiste la partida.Yes it is, you lost the game.
- LucíaCállate, tonto, fue un error.Shut up, dummy, it was a mistake.
- AlejandroNo seas así, Lucía.Don't be like that, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cállate, tonto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
