cállate cerdo
/kaʝate θeɾdo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shut up pig" is translated into Spanish as cállate cerdo.
This phrase is a rude command used to tell someone to stop talking while insulting them by calling them a pig.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb callarse (to shut oneself up) in the imperative form and the noun cerdo (pig).
Which one should you use?
The phrase cállate cerdo is an informal and aggressive command. Using callar without the reflexive -te would sound grammatically incomplete in this context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American regions, Enmudece, cochino directly translates to "shut up, pig."
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Spanish, a comma is typically used to set off the person being addressed (the vocative) from the command itself, such as in cállate, cerdo. To address a group of people, the verb changes to the plural imperative cállense and the noun changes to the plural cerdos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʝate θeɾdo/
Did you know?
- The word cochino is sometimes used affectionately by families to describe a messy child, though it becomes an aggressive insult when paired with cállate.
- The word cerdo is actually built from the word cerda, which refers to a pig's coarse hair or bristle.
- While cerdo refers to the animal, using it as an insult in Spanish often implies a lack of moral restraint rather than just being stubborn.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are having a heated argument in the kitchen.
- DanielTú siempre haces todo mal.You always do everything wrong.
- Elena¡Cállate cerdo, que no sabes nada!Shut up, pig, you don't know anything!
- DanielNo me digas así.Don't call me that.
- ElenaMe da igual lo que digas.I don't care what you say.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerdo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
