Inklingo

How to Say "jerk" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “jerk” is “asqueroso” — use 'asqueroso' when referring to someone whose behavior is disgusting, repulsive, or generally bad and annoying, implying they have a poor reputation..

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asqueroso

ahs-keh-ROH-soh/as.keˈro.so/

nounB2informal
Use 'asqueroso' when referring to someone whose behavior is disgusting, repulsive, or generally bad and annoying, implying they have a poor reputation.
An illustration of a man with an unsettling, shifty expression and greasy hair, looking directly at the viewer.

Examples

No te juntes con ese asqueroso, tiene muy mala fama.

Don't hang out with that creep; he has a very bad reputation.

Ella es una asquerosa por haberle robado el dinero a su propia abuela.

She is a disgusting person (or scumbag) for having stolen money from her own grandmother.

Adjective Used as Noun

When you put an article (like 'el' or 'un') before 'asqueroso' or 'asquerosa,' you are treating the descriptive word like a person. It means 'the disgusting one' or 'a disgusting person.'

borde

BOAR-deh/ˈboɾ.ðe/

nounB2informal
Use 'borde' specifically in Spain to describe a person who is rude, unpleasant, and unfriendly in their interactions.
A simple colorful illustration of an adult person with a harsh, scowling expression, standing stiffly with crossed arms, indicating rudeness or being unpleasant.

Examples

El camarero fue un borde, ni siquiera nos miró al servir.

The waiter was a jerk; he didn't even look at us while serving.

No seas borde y pide disculpas.

Don't be rude and apologize.

Used as Adjective and Noun

In this context, 'borde' can be used as a noun ('es un borde') or as an adjective ('es muy borde'). It usually doesn't change form based on gender, even when referring to a woman.

cerdo

/SEHR-doh//'seɾ.ðo/

nounB2informal
Use 'cerdo' to describe someone as a slob, or as despicable and greedy, often in reference to their lack of cleanliness or consideration.
A cartoon person sitting on a couch in a room overflowing with scattered trash, dirty clothes, and food wrappers.

Examples

¡Qué cerdo eres, dejaste todos los platos sin lavar!

What a slob you are, you left all the dishes unwashed!

No quiero tratar con ese hombre, es un cerdo egoísta.

I don't want to deal with that man, he is a greedy pig/jerk.

Using 'Cerdo' as an Adjective

When used to describe a person, 'cerdo' acts like an adjective, meaning 'filthy' or 'gross.' You must match the gender: 'la persona cerda' (the filthy person) or 'el hombre cerdo'.

perro

/PEH-rroh//'pero/

nounB2informal
Use 'perro' as a general insult to call someone a jerk, implying they are untrustworthy or a bad person.
A cartoonish man with a sly, untrustworthy expression, wearing a dark coat and looking over his shoulder conspiratorially, symbolizing deceit or a despicable character.

Examples

No confíes en él, es un perro.

Don't trust him, he's a dog/jerk.

¡Qué perro! Me mintió todo el tiempo.

What a dog! He lied to me the whole time.

Using the Feminine Form 'Perra'

Mistake: “Thinking 'perra' is a simple equivalent insult for a woman.”

Correction: Be extremely careful. While 'perro' is a strong insult for a man, 'perra' is a much more offensive and vulgar insult for a woman, often with strong sexual connotations. It's best to avoid using it entirely.

Choosing Between 'Asqueroso', 'Borde', and 'Cerdo'

Learners often confuse 'asqueroso', 'borde', and 'cerdo' because they all describe negative traits. Remember that 'borde' is specifically about rudeness (Spain), 'cerdo' implies sloppiness or greed, and 'asqueroso' suggests a more general, repulsive badness.

Related Translations

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