Spanish · 16 phrases

Insults (Aimed at a Person)

When it's pointed at somebody. This is where tone does the heavy lifting: "cabrón" is a slur or a compliment depending on your face, "güey" is affection or a jab. We've calibrated each for real damage — from the almost-fond "menso" up to the fighting-words "culero" — and told you which Spain uses ("gilipollas") versus which is pure Mexico. Insulting the mother is a category of its own; handle with care.