Inklingo

How to Say "obscene" in Spanish

English → Spanish

verde

/BEHR-deh//ˈbeɾðe/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'verde' when referring to jokes, stories, or content that is sexually suggestive or 'dirty', but not necessarily deeply offensive.
A simple cartoon character sticking out a tongue and crossing eyes, looking childishly impolite.

Examples

No cuentes chistes verdes delante de los niños.

Don't tell dirty/obscene jokes in front of the children.

A mi jefe no le gusta que contemos chistes verdes en la oficina.

My boss doesn't like us telling dirty/obscene jokes in the office.

La película tenía diálogos un poco verdes para un público infantil.

The movie had slightly crude dialogue for a child audience.

vulgar

bool-GAR/bulˈɣaɾ/

adjectiveB2
Choose 'vulgar' for language or behavior that is extremely offensive, crude, and socially unacceptable, going beyond just being sexually suggestive.
A single, brightly colored, oversized pink plastic flamingo decoration standing in a patch of simple green grass, symbolizing tastelessness.

Examples

Sus palabras fueron tan vulgares que todos se sintieron incómodos.

His words were so vulgar/obscene that everyone felt uncomfortable.

El presentador hizo un comentario muy vulgar y tuvo que disculparse.

The host made a very vulgar comment and had to apologize.

No me gustó la decoración; la encontré un poco vulgar.

I didn't like the decor; I found it a bit tasteless.

Adjective Form

As an adjective, 'vulgar' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'un chiste vulgar' and 'una broma vulgar'). Only the ending changes for plural: 'vulgares'.

Verde vs. Vulgar

Learners often confuse 'verde' and 'vulgar'. Remember that 'verde' specifically implies sexual innuendo or 'dirty' content, while 'vulgar' denotes a broader, more offensive crudeness that might not be sexual.

Related Translations

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