chico estúpido
/t͡ʃiko estupido/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stupid boy" is translated into Spanish as chico estúpido.
chico estúpido is used to describe a male child or young man who lacks intelligence or common sense. Depending on your intent, other terms may be more appropriate: Chico idiota is a somewhat derogatory way to say "idiotic boy", while Bobo means "silly" or "foolish" and can be used to say "stupid boy" in a less harsh manner.
Which one should you use?
There is a difference in intensity between words used to describe a lack of intelligence. chico estúpido implies a lack of intelligence, whereas chico tonto is often used more lightly to mean "silly" or "foolish".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the term Burro used as an informal way to say "stupid boy".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that the word Pendejo literally means "pubic hair", but it is commonly used to refer to someone as "stupid" or "idiot".
Did you know?
- While many people assume chico is a purely Romance word, it is actually a loanword from the Yucatec Maya word chi’ik.
- While estúpido is a harsh critique of intelligence, tonto is frequently used as a term of endearment between couples or friends.
- The English word 'stupid' and the Spanish word estúpido both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European roots related to being motionless or stunned.
Examples in context
- Es un joven tonto, no escuchó las instruccionesHe is a silly young man, he didn't listen to the instructions
- Ese chico estúpido rompió mi juguete.That stupid boy broke my toy.
- Es un chico estúpido, no sabe nada.He is a stupid boy, he knows nothing.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are arguing about a mistake Mateo made.
- LucíaMateo, ¿por qué hiciste eso?Mateo, why did you do that?
- MateoNo lo sé, fue un error.I don't know, it was a mistake.
- LucíaEres un chico estúpido a veces.You are a stupid boy sometimes.
- Mateo¡No me digas así!Don't call me that!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, estúpido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
