tonto
/ˈtonto/
The phrase "you big dummy" is translated into Spanish as tonto.
This phrase is used as an informal and often playful way to call someone foolish or stupid.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the gender and number of people you are addressing. Use tonta if you are addressing a female, tontos if you are addressing a group of males or a mixed-gender group and tontas if you are addressing a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtonto/
Did you know?
- The term may originate from the Latin word tondeo, which means 'to shear'. This would imply that calling someone a 'dummy' is historically similar to calling them 'shorn' or 'clipped' of their wits.
- Adding the diminutive suffix to create tontito can actually transform the word into a term of endearment for a child rather than a critique of their intelligence.
- The expression hacerse el tonto describes the specific act of pretending to be stupid to dodge a responsibility or a difficult question.
Examples in context
- No seas tonto, es muy fácil.Don't be a dummy, it's very easy.
Example conversation
Daniel forgot his keys inside the house.
- María¿Dónde dejaste las llaves, Daniel?Where did you leave the keys, Daniel?
- DanielEstán aquí mismo, en mi mano.They are right here, in my hand.
- María¡Ay, qué tonto eres!Oh, you big dummy!
- DanielLo siento, me distraje un momento.Sorry, I got distracted for a moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
