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Spanish · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say

Maricón / joto

mah-ree-KOHN · /ma.ɾi.ˈkon/

Anti-gay slur. You'll hear it; never use it.

5/5 Do not deploy

nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended

Literally

"(homophobic slur)"

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

How to use it

We're documenting this so it doesn't blindside you, not endorsing it. "Maricón" (Spain-heavy) and "joto" (Mexico) are homophobic slurs, still thrown around as generic insults meaning "coward" or just "guy I don't like." That casual use is exactly the problem. There is no friendly register here for a traveler — recognize it, and never let it out of your own mouth.

Heard in the wild

—(comprehension only; do not repeat)—

—A slur you may overhear; documented so you understand it, never to use.—

Where it lands

Spain & Mexico (slur); comprehension-only

Quick answers

What does "Maricón / joto" mean?
In Spanish, "Maricón / joto" means "Anti-gay slur. You'll hear it; never use it.". Literally it's "(homophobic slur)". We're documenting this so it doesn't blindside you, not endorsing it. "Maricón" (Spain-heavy) and "joto" (Mexico) are homophobic slurs, still thrown around as generic insults meaning "coward" or just "guy I don't like." That casual use is exactly the problem. There is no friendly register here for a traveler — recognize it, and never let it out of your own mouth.
Is "Maricón / joto" 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 "Maricón / joto"?
Say it "mah-ree-KOHN" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ma.ɾi.ˈkon.

Related in Spanish

¡Eeeh, puto! POO-toh You'll HEAR this — the stadium goal-kick chant. Never say it. No seas indio noh SEH-ahs EEN-dyoh Racist put-down = 'don't be ignorant/backward.' Never say it. Sudaca soo-DAH-kah Spain's slur for South Americans. You'll hear it; never say it. Güey GWEY (rhymes with 'way') Dude / man (filler); also 'idiot' when aimed Pendejo pen-DEH-hoh Dumbass / idiot Baboso bah-BOH-soh Idiot / fool / dope

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