Inklingo

How to Say "rascal" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forrascalis angelitouse this when someone is playfully pretending to be innocent after doing something naughty, highlighting the contrast between their 'angelic' appearance and their actions.

angelito🔊B1

Use this when someone is playfully pretending to be innocent after doing something naughty, highlighting the contrast between their 'angelic' appearance and their actions.

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bribónB2

This term is used for a playful, naughty person, often a child, implying a bit of roguish charm but can also carry a slightly negative connotation.

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bandido🔊B2

Use this for a cheeky or mischievous person, often in an endearing way, like a 'little bandit' who has playfully stolen something, like a kiss.

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diablo🔊B2

This is a common and often affectionate way to describe a very mischievous person, especially a child who is constantly getting into trouble.

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sinvergüenzaB1

Use this playfully for someone who is cheeky or impudent, especially when they've done something bold or slightly dishonest, but you're not truly angry.

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pájaroB2

This term is used for a mischievous or tricky person, implying they are cunning and perhaps not entirely trustworthy.

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golfo🔊B2

This word describes someone who is perhaps lazy or dishonest, but in a way that can be charming or amusing, like a charming rogue.

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bicho🔊C1

Use this, often affectionately, for a mischievous or naughty person, sometimes implying they are a bit of a pest or a 'creature'.

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English → Spanish

angelito

ahn-heh-LEE-tohaŋxeˈlito

nounB1informal
Use this when someone is playfully pretending to be innocent after doing something naughty, highlighting the contrast between their 'angelic' appearance and their actions.
A mischievous child with a messy face and grass stains, hiding a broken toy behind their back while wearing a crooked halo.

Examples

¡Menudo angelito! Me ha roto el móvil y se ríe.

What a 'little angel'! He broke my phone and is laughing.

No le creas nada, que el angelito sabe muy bien lo que hace.

Don't believe a word he says; that 'angel' knows exactly what he's doing.

Mira qué angelito, parece que no ha roto un plato en su vida.

Look at that little angel; it looks like he's never broken a plate in his life (he looks harmless).

Sarcasm in Tone

In Spanish, tone of voice is key. If you say 'angelito' with a smirk or a sigh, everyone knows you mean the person is actually a troublemaker.

Taking it literally

Mistake:Thinking someone is complimenting a child when they say '¡Menudo angelito!' with an annoyed face.

Correction: Look at the speaker's face; if they look annoyed, they mean the opposite of 'angel'.

bribón

nounB2informal
This term is used for a playful, naughty person, often a child, implying a bit of roguish charm but can also carry a slightly negative connotation.

Examples

¡Vuelve aquí, pequeño bribón!

Come back here, you little rascal!

bandido

bahn-DEE-dohbanˈdiðo

nounB2informal
Use this for a cheeky or mischievous person, often in an endearing way, like a 'little bandit' who has playfully stolen something, like a kiss.
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-blohˈdja.βlo

nounB2informal
This is a common and often affectionate way to describe a very mischievous person, especially a child who is constantly getting into trouble.
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.

sinvergüenza

nounB1informal
Use this playfully for someone who is cheeky or impudent, especially when they've done something bold or slightly dishonest, but you're not truly angry.

Examples

Ese sinvergüenza me vendió un coche que no funciona.

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

pájaro

nounB2informal
This term is used for a mischievous or tricky person, implying they are cunning and perhaps not entirely trustworthy.

Examples

No confíes en él, es un pájaro de cuidado.

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

golfo

GOHL-fohˈɡolfo

nounB2informal
This word describes someone who is perhaps lazy or dishonest, but in a way that can be charming or amusing, like a charming rogue.
A messy-haired boy with a mischievous grin holding a half-eaten apple behind his back.

Examples

No le creas nada, es un golfo.

Don't believe him at all, he's a rascal.

Ese niño es un golfo, siempre está haciendo travesuras.

That kid is a little scoundrel; he's always getting into mischief.

Nos pasamos la noche de fiesta como unos auténticos golfos.

We spent the night partying like total wildcards.

Noun and Adjective

You can use this word as a name for a person ('un golfo') or to describe them ('él es muy golfo').

The Feminine Form Warning

Mistake:Calling a woman 'golfa' thinking it just means 'lazy'.

Correction: While 'golfo' (male) is often lighthearted or means 'lazy/party animal', the feminine 'golfa' is often a very strong insult implying a woman is sexually promiscuous. Be very careful!

bicho

bee-choˈbitʃo

nounC1informal
Use this, often affectionately, for a mischievous or naughty person, sometimes implying they are a bit of a pest or a 'creature'.
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. Truly Naughty

Learners often confuse the more affectionate terms like 'angelito' or 'diablo' with stronger negative ones like 'sinvergüenza' or 'golfo'. Remember that 'angelito' is usually ironic, while 'sinvergüenza' implies genuine cheekiness or dishonesty, even if used playfully.

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