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How to Say "cocky" in Spanish

English → Spanish

chuleta

choo-LEH-tahtʃuˈleta

adjectiveB2colloquial
Use 'chuleta' to describe someone who is boastful and acts like a show-off, implying they think they are better or know more than they actually do.
A person standing with a confident, boastful posture and a smirk.

Examples

No seas tan chuleta, que no sabes tanto como dices.

Don't be so cocky, you don't know as much as you say.

Ese chico es un poco chuleta, siempre está presumiendo de su coche.

That guy is a bit of a show-off; he's always bragging about his car.

Me cayó mal porque entró en la fiesta con aires de chuleta.

I didn't like him because he walked into the party acting all cocky.

Gender Consistency

Even though it ends in 'a', this word stays the same for both men and women: 'él es un chuleta' and 'ella es una chuleta'.

Chulo vs. Chuleta

Mistake: “Thinking 'chulo' and 'chuleta' are always negative.”

Correction: 'Chulo' can mean 'cool' or 'pretty' in Spain, but 'chuleta' for a person is almost always a bit negative or mocking.

chulo

CHOO-lohˈtʃulo

adjectiveB1colloquial
Choose 'chulo' when referring to a general arrogant attitude or someone acting overly confident and a bit disrespectful, often in a confrontational way.
A peacock with its colorful feathers fanned out, standing tall.

Examples

No te pongas chulo conmigo.

Don't get cocky with me.

Es un poco chulo, se cree el mejor.

He's a bit cocky; he thinks he's the best.

Changing Attitude

Use the verb 'ponerse' (to become/to get) with 'chulo' to describe someone acting cocky in a specific moment.

Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “Using 'ser' when someone is just being temporarily cheeky.”

Correction: Use 'ponerse chulo' for temporary behavior.

flamenco

flah-MEN-kohflaˈmeŋko

adjectiveC1colloquial
Use 'flamenco' when someone is being defiantly cheeky or provocatively arrogant, often implying they are challenging authority or a situation.
A small child with a playful, mischievous expression sticking their tongue out.

Examples

No te pongas flamenco conmigo, que tengo razón.

Don't get cheeky with me, because I'm right.

Llegó al bar muy flamenco, pidiendo la bebida más cara.

He arrived at the bar acting very cocky, asking for the most expensive drink.

Choosing Between 'Chulo' and 'Chuleta'

Learners often confuse 'chulo' and 'chuleta'. 'Chuleta' specifically implies showing off knowledge or skill you don't possess, while 'chulo' is a broader term for general arrogance and a cocky attitude, often with a hint of defiance.

Related Translations

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