groserías
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico swear words are called groserías. People also say malas palabras, and a very strong one is a palabrota. It is also called Palabrotas.
Meaning: rude or offensive language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| groserías | everyday, Mexico |
| Malas palabras | neutral |
| Palabrotas | strong words |
A parent says no digas groserías to a child. A person who curses a lot is grosero or mal hablado.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
They are not for work, teachers or elders. Among close friends they are often said without anger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Words such as pendejo, cabrón and pinche are very common in Mexican speech. They can be insults or just friendly slang depending on tone and who is talking.
Did you know?
- The word grosería also means a rude act or remark, not only a bad word.
Examples in context
- No digas groserías enfrente de los niños.Do not swear in front of the children.
- Mi abuela dice que son malas palabras.My grandmother says they are bad words.
- Dijo una palabrota y todos se rieron.He said a strong word and everyone laughed.
Example conversation
A mother, Gloria, scolds her son Fabián after he repeats a word from the street in Monterrey.
- GloriaFabián, ¿dónde aprendiste eso?Fabián, where did you learn that?
- FabiánLo dijo un niño en la escuela.A boy said it at school.
- GloriaNo digas groserías, por favor.Do not say bad words, please.
