tonto
everyday, mild
In Argentina "stupid" can be tonto, the mild everyday word, or zonzo, a softer Argentine word. Boludo is slang and can be rude or friendly, depending on the speaker.
Meaning: lacking intelligence (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tonto | everyday, mild |
| boludo | slang, Argentina, rude |
| zonzo | mild, Argentina |
You hear ¡Qué boludez! (what nonsense) for a stupid idea or thing.
Which one should you use?
Estúpido is the harsh standard word. Tonto and zonzo sound like "silly" and are used for small mistakes or jokes. Pelotudo is far stronger than boludo.
How does it change in a sentence?
These words change for gender: tonta, zonza, boluda. With ser you describe a person, as in Sos tonto, while with estar you describe a moment, as in Estoy zonzo.
Did you know?
- Zonzo is typical of River Plate Spanish and is used in a gentle way, even with children.
Examples in context
- No seas tonto.Don't be silly.
- Fue una idea estúpida.It was a stupid idea.
Example conversation
Pilar teases her friend Andrés after he locks himself out of his apartment in Buenos Aires.
- AndrésMe dejé las llaves adentro.I left my keys inside.
- PilarNo seas tonto, ¿otra vez?Don't be silly, again?
- AndrésQué zonzo que soy.How silly I am.
