cerdo inculto
/θeɾdo inkulto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "uncultured swine" is translated into Spanish as cerdo inculto.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cerdo (pig or swine) and inculto (uncultured or uneducated).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "uncultured swine," use cerdos incultos, where both the noun and the adjective take the plural suffix -s. If you are referring to a single female, both the noun and the adjective change to their feminine forms to become cerda inculta.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often substitute cerdo inculto with the word animal to describe a person who lacks social grace or refinement.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a close friend a cerdo is a sign of affection and playful teasing, but adding inculto transforms the phrase into a sharp and genuine criticism.
- The word inculto shares its roots with the English word 'cultivate', as both stem from the Latin 'cultus', meaning that being 'uncultured' is etymologically linked to land that has not been tilled.
Examples in context
- Él se comportó como un cerdo inculto.He behaved like an uncultured swine.
- Ese crítico es un cerdo inculto.That critic is an uncultured swine.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a rude man at a museum.
- Lucía¿Viste cómo gritó en la galería?Did you see how he shouted in the gallery?
- JavierSí, es un cerdo inculto.Yes, he is an uncultured swine.
- LucíaNo tiene respeto por el arte.He has no respect for art.
- JavierEs una lástima, Lucía.It is a shame, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerdo, inculto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
