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Russian · Never Say This

Пидорас

pidoras

pee-dah-RAHS · /pʲɪdɐˈras/

Slur for a gay man — and a generic hard insult

5/5 Do not deploy

nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended

Literally

"(homophobic slur; from a distortion of 'pederast')"

Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.

How to use it

A homophobic slur that has also metastasized into a general-purpose insult for a contemptible man ("pidor" for short). You will unfortunately hear it — in arguments, road rage, football stands — used both ways. It is genuinely hateful and, given Russia's laws and climate, socially explosive. Listed strictly for comprehension: recognize it, never say it. Use "mudak" or "kozyol" if you must insult someone.

Heard in the wild

(overheard in an argument — do not repeat)

(overheard in an argument — do not repeat)

Where it lands

Russia (universal); slur — comprehension only, never say

Quick answers

What does "Пидорас" mean?
In Russian, "Пидорас" means "Slur for a gay man — and a generic hard insult". Literally it's "(homophobic slur; from a distortion of 'pederast')". A homophobic slur that has also metastasized into a general-purpose insult for a contemptible man ("pidor" for short). You will unfortunately hear it — in arguments, road rage, football stands — used both ways. It is genuinely hateful and, given Russia's laws and climate, socially explosive. Listed strictly for comprehension: recognize it, never say it. Use "mudak" or "kozyol" if you must insult someone.
Is "Пидорас" offensive?
Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
How do you pronounce "Пидорас"?
Say it "pee-dah-RAHS" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: pʲɪdɐˈras.

Related in Russian

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