pendejo
“pendejo” means “idiot” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
idiot
Also: jerk, dumbass
📝 In Action
¡No seas pendejo! Esa oferta es una estafa.
B2Don't be an idiot! That offer is a scam.
Ese pendejo me chocó el coche y se fue.
C1That jerk hit my car and drove away.
Me siento como un pendejo por haber creído su mentira.
C1I feel like a dumbass for believing his lie.
kid
Also: youngster, brat
📝 In Action
Había un grupo de pendejos jugando fútbol en la calle.
B2There was a group of kids playing soccer in the street.
Ese pendejo cree que lo sabe todo.
C1That brat thinks he knows everything.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pendejo
Question 1 of 3
If you are in Mexico and someone calls you a 'pendejo', they are likely:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'pectiniculus', which was a way to say 'pubic hair'. Over time, the meaning changed from hair to a young boy (who is just starting to grow hair), then to an inexperienced person, and finally to the modern insult 'idiot'.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pendejo' a bad word?
Yes, in most Spanish-speaking countries it is considered a vulgar swear word. It should be avoided in professional, formal, or polite settings.
Can I use 'pendejo' with my friends?
Only if you are very close and you know they won't take offense. It's often used 'affectionately' among young men in some regions, but it's risky for learners.
Does it have the same meaning in every country?
No! This is one of the most regionally diverse words in Spanish. It ranges from meaning 'idiot' (Mexico) to 'coward' (Central America) to 'youngster' (Argentina).