cabrón
“cabrón” means “jerk” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
jerk
Also: bastard, tough guy
📝 In Action
Ese cabrón me robó la idea.
B2That jerk stole my idea.
No seas cabrón y devuélveme el dinero.
C1Don't be a bastard and give me the money back.
¡Qué cabrón eres!
B1You are such a jerk!
tough
Also: badass/expert
📝 In Action
El examen de física estuvo muy cabrón.
C1The physics exam was really tough.
Ese guitarrista es muy cabrón.
C2That guitarist is a total badass.
La situación en la frontera está cabrona.
C1The situation at the border is really difficult.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cabrón
Question 1 of 3
If a friend in Mexico says 'Eres un cabrón' after you play a perfect guitar solo, what do they likely mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from 'cabra' (goat). Historically, it referred to a male goat. It later became an insult used for a man whose wife was unfaithful (a cuckold), implying he was like a goat that allows others into his herd. Over time, it evolved into a general term for a mean person or, in some places, a skilled person.
First recorded: 13th century (as 'male goat')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cabrón' a swear word?
Yes. While its intensity varies by country, it is generally considered vulgar and should be used with caution.
Can I use 'cabrona' for a woman?
Yes, but it often carries more negative weight, usually meaning a woman who is mean, bossy, or difficult, though it is also starting to be used as a term for a 'strong/tough woman' in some circles.
Does it still mean 'male goat'?
Technically yes, but almost no one uses it that way in modern conversation. If you want to talk about the animal, people usually say 'macho cabrío'.