cállate, tonto
/ˈkaʝate ˈtonto/word by word
The English phrase "shut up, you dummy" is translated into Spanish as cállate, tonto.
This phrase is used to tell someone to stop talking while simultaneously calling them foolish. It is an informal expression that can be perceived as rude or insulting depending on the tone of voice used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must be adjusted based on who you are addressing. If you are addressing a female, you must change the adjective to the feminine form tonta. To address a group of people, use the plural form cállense, tontos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaʝate ˈtonto/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, instead of calling someone a tonto, you might hear people use the word pavo to call someone foolish, which literally translates to 'turkey'.
- The word tonto might be related to the Latin verb tondeo, which means 'to shear'. This suggests a possible connection between being a 'dummy' and being a sheep that has been shorn.
- In some regions, tonto is used as a term of endearment between couples or close friends, turning a rude insult into a playful 'silly'.
Examples in context
- Cállate, tonto, estás arruinando la sorpresaShut up, dummy, you're spoiling the surprise
- ¡Cállate, tonto!, no sé de qué estás hablando.Shut up, dummy! I don't know what you are talking about.
- No sé qué decirte, cállate, tonto.I don't know what to say to you, shut up, dummy.
Example conversation
Mateo keeps making fun of Elena's driving.
- ElenaMateo, deja de hablar.Mateo, stop talking.
- MateoEs que conduces muy mal.It's just that you drive very badly.
- Elena¡Cállate, tonto!Shut up, you dummy!
- MateoLo siento, Elena.I'm sorry, Elena.
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.
