Inklingo

How to Say "outrageous" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “outrageous” is “escandaloso” — use 'escandaloso' when referring to prices or behavior that are shockingly high, excessive, or morally unacceptable.

English → Spanish

escandaloso

es-kan-dah-lo-soeskan̪daˈloso

adjectiveB2general
Use 'escandaloso' when referring to prices or behavior that are shockingly high, excessive, or morally unacceptable.
A group of people in a circle whispering to each other with shocked expressions on their faces.

Examples

Es un precio escandaloso por una botella de agua.

It's an outrageous price for a bottle of water.

El comportamiento del político fue escandaloso.

The politician's behavior was scandalous.

La película tuvo un éxito escandaloso en todo el mundo.

The movie had a massive/shocking success all over the world.

Emphasis with Position

Placing 'escandaloso' before the noun (un escandaloso precio) makes it sound more dramatic and emotional than placing it after.

Shocking vs. Scandalous

Mistake: “Using 'shocking' for everything.”

Correction: In Spanish, use 'escandaloso' specifically when something causes a public outcry or feels morally wrong, not just for a surprise.

imposible

im-po-SEE-blehimpoˈsible

adjectiveB1general
Use 'imposible' to describe behavior or a situation that is extremely difficult to manage, control, or tolerate, often implying exasperation.
A colorful illustration of a massive, stalled traffic jam on a highway, with one driver looking extremely frustrated and annoyed.

Examples

¡Este niño es imposible! No para quieto ni un segundo.

This child is impossible! He doesn't stay still for a second.

El tráfico a esta hora es imposible, vamos a llegar tarde.

The traffic at this hour is unbearable, we're going to be late.

Tratar con esa burocracia es una tarea imposible.

Dealing with that bureaucracy is an impossible task.

obsceno

ob-SEH-nohoβˈse.no

adjectiveC1general
Use 'obsceno' to describe amounts or quantities that are excessively, shockingly large, often implying illegality or extreme unfairness.
A massive, overflowing pile of golden coins and jewels that dwarfs a small wooden table.

Examples

Ese jugador de fútbol gana una cantidad obscena de dinero.

That soccer player earns an obscene amount of money.

Es obsceno gastar tanto en lujos cuando hay tanta pobreza.

It is obscene to spend so much on luxuries when there is so much poverty.

Los precios de las viviendas han llegado a niveles obscenos.

Housing prices have reached outrageous levels.

Use with 'Es'

When saying 'It is obscene to...', use the word 'Es' followed by 'obsceno' and then the verb in its base form: 'Es obsceno gastar...'

escapado

es-kah-PAH-doheskaˈpaðo

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'escapado' when a price or situation has become unreasonably high or excessive, often implying it has gone beyond what is normal or acceptable.
A young child covered in colorful paint, spinning energetically in a room full of toys, illustrating wild behavior.

Examples

¡Qué precio tan escapado tiene ese coche!

What an outrageous price that car has!

Ese chico es un poco escapado; siempre está haciendo bromas pesadas.

That kid is a bit wild/out of control; he's always playing nasty jokes.

La fiesta se puso muy escapada después de medianoche.

The party got really wild after midnight.

Figurative Use

In this sense, 'escapado' means something has gone 'beyond the limits' or 'broken free' from normal standards, often referring to prices, behavior, or noise.

Escandaloso vs. Imposible

Learners often confuse 'escandaloso' and 'imposible'. Remember that 'escandaloso' usually refers to something shocking due to excess or immorality (like a price or bad behavior), while 'imposible' describes behavior or situations that are unmanageable or extremely difficult to deal with.

Related Translations

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