cerdo feo
/θeɾdo feo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'ugly pig' is translated into Spanish as cerdo feo.
The phrase is used to describe a pig that is not attractive. While it can be used literally to describe an animal, it is also used as a harsh insult toward a person in certain contexts.
Which one should you use?
You may also use puerco feo, where puerco serves as a synonym for pig. For more informal options, you can use cochino feo or marrano feo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
marrano feo is an informal way to describe an ugly pig used in certain Latin American regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring specifically to a female pig, the phrase changes gender to the feminine form cerda fea.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeɾdo feo/
Did you know?
- While cerdo is the standard word for pig, the term marrano has a complex history as a religious slur used during the Spanish Inquisition to describe Jewish converts who secretly practiced their faith.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a puerco or cochino can imply they are not just physically unattractive, but also possess a lack of manners or hygiene.
- The word feo actually comes from the Latin 'foedus', which originally meant 'hideous' or 'loathsome' rather than just 'unattractive'.
Examples in context
- Me trató como a un cochino feo.He treated me like an ugly pig.
- Comiste como un marrano feo.You ate like an ugly pig.
- Se volvió loco, ¡es un cochino feo!He went crazy, he's an ugly pig!
- Ese es un cerdo feo.That is an ugly pig.
- Vi un cerdo feo en la granja.I saw an ugly pig at the farm.
- El niño dibujó un cerdo feo.The child drew an ugly pig.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are visiting a local petting zoo.
- Alejandro¿Viste a aquel cerdo feo?Did you see that ugly pig?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, es muy feo.Yes, Alejandro, it is very ugly.
- AlejandroNo me gusta su aspecto.I don't like how it looks.
- MaríaA mí tampoco me gusta.I don't like it either.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerdo, feo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
