Inklingo

How to Say "rascal" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rascal” is “sinvergüenza” — use this playfully for someone who is cheeky or has done something a bit naughty, often with a hint of admiration for their boldness..

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sinvergüenza

nounB1playful
Use this playfully for someone who is cheeky or has done something a bit naughty, often with a hint of admiration for their boldness.

Examples

Ese sinvergüenza me vendió un coche que no funciona.

That scoundrel sold me a car that doesn't work.

bandido

/bahn-DEE-doh//banˈdiðo/

nounB2informal
This term is used for a cheeky or mischievous person, often a child, implying they've 'stolen' something, like attention or a kiss, in a playful way.
A small child with a playful grin hiding behind a curtain, peeking out with a mischievous look.

Examples

¡Vuelve aquí, pequeño bandido! Me has robado un beso.

Come back here, you little rascal! You stole a kiss from me.

Tu gato es un bandido; siempre se come mi comida.

Your cat is a rascal; he's always eating my food.

Don't be too literal

Mistake: “Thinking someone is calling you a criminal.”

Correction: In a social setting, if a friend calls you 'bandido' with a smile, they mean you're a rogue or a flirt, not a thief.

diablo

DEE-ah-bloh/ˈdja.βlo/

nounB2informal
Refer to a mischievous person, particularly a child, who is constantly getting into trouble or causing minor chaos.
A mischievous-looking young boy with a playful smirk, holding a slingshot behind his back, illustrating a rascal.

Examples

Ese niño es un diablo, siempre está haciendo travesuras.

That kid is a rascal; he’s always getting into mischief.

Tienes que ser un diablo en los negocios para tener éxito.

You have to be a rogue (clever operator) in business to succeed.

Using the Feminine

To refer to a mischievous woman or girl, the word is often changed to 'diabla' (la diabla), although 'diablo' can sometimes refer to either gender contextually.

pájaro

nounB2informal
Use this for someone who is considered tricky, cunning, or potentially untrustworthy, implying they are a 'bird to watch out for'.

Examples

No confíes en él, es un pájaro de cuidado.

Don't trust him, he's a tricky/suspicious fellow.

bicho

/bee-cho//ˈbitʃo/

nounC1informal, affectionate
This is often used affectionately to describe someone, especially a neighbor or acquaintance, who is mischievous, naughty, or a bit of a pest.
A person wearing a bright yellow shirt, red pants, and a large, oddly shaped green hat, conveying eccentricity.

Examples

Ese bicho del vecino siempre nos está espiando.

That weirdo neighbor is always spying on us.

Mi hijo es un bicho, nunca para de correr.

My son is a rascal; he never stops running.

Gender Flexibility

Though the word is masculine ('el bicho'), in some regions, 'la bicha' is used specifically to refer to a female person negatively.

Overuse in Formal Settings

Mistake: “Using 'bicho' to refer to a person in a professional environment.”

Correction: Use neutral terms like 'persona' or 'individuo.' This meaning is strictly informal.

Playful vs. Suspicious Rascal

The most common mistake is using 'pájaro' or 'bicho' when a more playful term like 'bandido' or 'sinvergüenza' is intended. Remember that 'pájaro' implies suspicion, while 'bicho' can be affectionate but also slightly negative, unlike the more lighthearted 'bandido' or 'sinvergüenza'.

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