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maricón

mah-ree-KOHN/maɾiˈkon/

“maricón” means “faggot” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

faggot

Also: gay
NounmC2slang
SpainMexico/Latin America
A colorful illustration of two men holding hands while walking through a bright garden.

📝 In Action

Le gritaron insultos como «maricón» en la calle.

B2

They shouted insults like 'faggot' at him in the street.

¡Qué pasa, maricón! (Dicho entre amigos íntimos en España).

C2

What's up, man! (Said between very close friends in Spain).

Ese programa de televisión es muy maricón.

C1

That TV show is very campy/flamboyant.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • homosexual (homosexual (neutral))
  • gay (gay (neutral))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ser un maricón – to be a faggot
  • maricón de playa – a specific insult for someone considered fake or weak (Spain)

coward

Also: wimp
NounmC1slang
An illustration of a person shivering and hiding behind a large tree.

📝 In Action

No seas maricón y salta al agua.

B1

Don't be a pussy and jump in the water.

Es un maricón, siempre tiene miedo de todo.

A2

He's a wimp, he's always afraid of everything.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cobarde (coward)
  • miedoso (scaredy-cat)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • no seas maricón – don't be a coward/wimp

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: maricón

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most polite way to say someone is gay in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mariconada(a cowardly act or a 'girly' thing) — Noun
mariconear(to mess around or act in a sissified way) — Verb
mariconería(nonsense or sissiness) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
avióncampeóncorazón
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the female name 'María.' The suffix '-icón' was added to create a disparaging term for a man perceived as feminine.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: maricasFrench: mariole

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'maricón' as bad as the 'f-slur' in English?

Yes, in almost all contexts, it carries the same level of weight, hurt, and offensiveness.

Can I use this word if I am gay?

Some members of the LGBTQ+ community in Spanish-speaking countries have reclaimed the word, but as a language learner, it is generally safer to avoid it until you have a deep understanding of the local culture.

Does it ever mean 'coward' without being offensive?

No. Even when it means 'coward,' it is considered vulgar and offensive because the insult is based on negative stereotypes.