cállate, idiota
/ˈkaʝate iˈdjota/word by word
The English phrase "shut up, idiot" is translated into Spanish as cállate, idiota.
Cállate, idiota is a rude command used to tell someone to stop talking while simultaneously insulting their intelligence. It is an informal and straightforward way to convey this message.
What does it mean word for word?
cállate is the imperative command form of the reflexive verb callarse.
Which one should you use?
While cállate, idiota uses the informal tú form, you can use cállese, idiota to use the formal usted form. However, the phrase remains a highly offensive insult regardless of the level of formality used. To address a group of people rather than an individual, use the plural forms cállense, idiotas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
cállate, idiota is informal and highly offensive. Another informal option for saying "shut your mouth, fool" is ¡Cierra el pico, tonto!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʝate iˈdjota/
Did you know?
- The word idiota shares an ancient root with the Greek word for 'private' or 'personal', originally referring to a 'layman' who did not participate in public life.
- If you say ¡Cierra el pico! to a person, you are literally telling them to 'close your beak', treating them like a bird.
- Using the formal cállese with idiota creates a jarring contrast called 'aggressive formality', which can make the insult feel more cold and cutting.
Examples in context
- ¡Cállate, idiota, deja de molestar!Shut up, idiot, stop bothering me!
Example conversation
A heated argument between two people in a living room.
- Elena¡Cállate, idiota!Shut up, idiot!
- JavierNo me hables así, Elena.Don't talk to me like that, Elena.
- Elena¡Eres un insoportable!You are unbearable!
- JavierPues me voy de aquí.Well, I'm leaving here.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cállate, idiota) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
