madres
“madres” means “mothers” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
mothers
Also: female parents
📝 In Action
Las madres de la escuela organizaron la fiesta.
A2The mothers at the school organized the party.
Mis padres y mis madres siempre me apoyaron.
B1My fathers and my mothers (parents) always supported me.
stuff
Also: junk, things
📝 In Action
Quita esas madres de mi escritorio, por favor.
B2Take that stuff off my desk, please.
¿Qué madres estás haciendo aquí?
C1What the heck are you doing here?
No sé cómo funciona esta madre.
B2I don't know how this thing works. (Note: often used in singular 'madre' for 'thing')
damn it!
Also: nothing at all, wow!
📝 In Action
¡Qué poca madre!
C1That's terrible! / That's messed up! (Literally 'what little mother' - expressing outrage)
No me dijo ni madres sobre la reunión.
C2He didn't tell me a damn thing about the meeting.
¡A qué horas, madres!
C1What the heck time is it?
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: madres
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'madres' in its literal, non-slang meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'madres' is the plural of 'madre,' which comes directly from the Latin word 'mater,' meaning mother. Its extensive slang usage, particularly in Mexico, stems from a cultural phenomenon where words related to 'mother' are used to express intense emotion, often negatively or vulgarly.
First recorded: Ancient (as 'madre' in Spanish), but the slang uses solidified in the 20th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'madres' always a vulgar word?
No. When used literally to mean 'mothers,' it is perfectly neutral and formal. However, when used in phrases like 'ni madres,' 'qué madres,' or 'a la chingada madre,' it is highly vulgar slang, primarily in Mexico, and should be avoided in polite company.
Why does a word for 'mother' get used for swear words?
This is common across many cultures, especially in Spanish. Words related to family, especially the mother figure, carry immense emotional weight. Using them in a vulgar or exaggerated way gives the expression maximum impact and intensity.