tonto
mild
The mild word for stupid is tonto. In Mexico people also say menso in casual talk, and estúpido is stronger. It is also called Pendejo.
Meaning: lacking intelligence, insulting (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| tonto | mild |
| Menso | casual, Mexico |
| Estúpido | strong |
| Pendejo | vulgar, Mexico |
Tonto and menso are used with friends or kids and can sound playful. Estúpido is a real insult.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pendejo is a very common vulgar insult in Mexico, but it is rude and should be avoided with people you do not know.
How does it change in a sentence?
Feminine forms are tonta, mensa, estúpida and pendeja.
Did you know?
- Menso is mild, and friends often say it with a laugh.
Examples in context
- No seas tonto, claro que puedes.Do not be silly, of course you can.
- Qué menso soy, olvidé las llaves.How dumb I am, I forgot the keys.
- Fue una idea estúpida.It was a stupid idea.
Example conversation
Beto forgets his keys and jokes with his friend Nacho in a parking lot in Tampico.
- BetoQué menso, dejé las llaves adentro.How dumb, I left the keys inside.
- NachoNo te preocupes, tengo otras.Do not worry, I have a spare.
- BetoGracias, me salvaste.Thanks, you saved me.
