hijo de puta
/ˌixo de ˈputa/
The Spanish phrase for "son of a b" is hijo de puta.
This phrase is a strong profanity that literally means "son of a prostitute". It is often used as an expletive exclamation on its own, such as ¡Hijo de puta!, to express anger, shock or surprise. In many informal settings, it can even be used among friends to express admiration or frustration, similar to how the English equivalent is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hijo (son), de (of) and puta (whore/prostitute).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While hijo de puta is a strong profanity, it is frequently used in informal settings among friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the variation hijo de la gran puta can be used, which is understood as "son of the great prostitute".
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female, the masculine noun hijo changes to the feminine hija, resulting in hija de puta (daughter of a b).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌixo de ˈputa/
Did you know?
- The word puta might actually be a linguistic oddity derived from the Latin word for 'teeny boy', which is the female form of putus.
- Because hijo de puta is so common, Spanish speakers often use 'euphemisms' like hijo de p… or hijo de su madre to soften the blow while still conveying the same sentiment.
Examples in context
- Ese hombre es un hijo de puta.That man is a son of a bitch.
- No seas un hijo de puta con ella.Don't be a son of a bitch to her.
Example conversation
Sofía tells Mateo about a coworker who stole her credit for a project.
- SofíaJuan dijo que la idea fue suya.Juan said the idea was his.
- Mateo¡Qué hijo de puta! No es justo.What a son of a b! It's not fair.
- SofíaExacto, voy a hablar con el jefe.Exactly, I'm going to talk to the boss.
- MateoHazlo, Sofía. Él se lo merece.Do it, Sofía. He deserves it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hijo de puta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hijo, hijo de puta, puta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
