cretino
“cretino” means “idiot” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
idiot, moron
Also: fool
📝 In Action
Ese cretino olvidó apagar las luces otra vez.
B1That idiot forgot to turn off the lights again.
No seas cretina y piensa antes de hablar.
B2Don't be an idiot (f.) and think before you speak.
idiotic, stupid
📝 In Action
Fue una idea cretina cruzar la calle sin mirar.
B2It was an idiotic idea to cross the street without looking.
Su actitud cretina nos hizo perder el autobús.
C1His stupid attitude made us miss the bus.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cretino
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cretino' correctly as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the French 'crétin,' which originally was used in certain parts of the Alps. Historically, it was a regional term related to 'cristiano' (Christian), used as a euphemism (a softer way of speaking) to refer to people suffering from intellectual disabilities caused by specific medical conditions common in those mountainous areas. Over time, it lost its medical connection and became a general, harsh insult meaning 'idiot' or 'fool.'
First recorded: 18th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cretino' a very offensive word?
Yes, 'cretino' is considered a strong, highly derogatory insult. While it's common in informal arguments or media, it is much harsher than words like 'tonto' (silly) and should be used with caution, as it can cause offense.
How do I make 'cretino' plural?
You simply add '-s': 'cretinos' for masculine plural (e.g., 'los cretinos') and 'cretinas' for feminine plural (e.g., 'las cretinas').