Inklingo

How to Say "stuck-up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stuck-up” is “chulo” — use 'chulo' when describing someone who is cocky, overly confident, and acts like they're superior, often in a defiant or boastful way.

English → Spanish

chulo

CHOO-lohˈtʃulo

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'chulo' when describing someone who is cocky, overly confident, and acts like they're superior, often in a defiant or boastful way.
A peacock with its colorful feathers fanned out, standing tall.

Examples

No te pongas chulo conmigo.

Don't get cocky with me.

Es un poco chulo, se cree el mejor.

He's a bit cocky; he thinks he's the best.

Changing Attitude

Use the verb 'ponerse' (to become/to get) with 'chulo' to describe someone acting cocky in a specific moment.

Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “Using 'ser' when someone is just being temporarily cheeky.”

Correction: Use 'ponerse chulo' for temporary behavior.

engreído

adjectiveB1informal
Choose 'engreído' for someone who is generally conceited, arrogant, and full of themselves, often to the point of not listening to others.

Examples

Él es un tipo muy engreído y no escucha a nadie.

He is a very conceited guy and doesn't listen to anyone.

orgullosa

or-goo-YOH-sahor.ɣuˈʎo.sa

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'orgullosa' (feminine form) to describe someone who is haughty, aloof, and appears to look down on others, often showing an air of superiority.
A character standing rigidly with their chin raised high, looking down their nose with a smug expression, clearly showing arrogance.

Examples

Parecía muy orgullosa y no quiso hablar con nadie.

She seemed very haughty and didn't want to talk to anyone.

Su actitud orgullosa hizo que perdiera a muchos amigos.

Her arrogant attitude caused her to lose many friends.

Positive vs. Negative

Context is key! If 'orgullosa' is used to describe someone who doesn't listen or acts superior, it carries a negative meaning. If it's linked to an achievement, it's positive.

Confusing Pride

Mistake: “Using 'orgullosa' when you mean 'avergonzada' (ashamed).”

Correction: Remember 'orgullosa' is about feeling good about yourself or someone else, even in the negative sense of being too proud.

estirado

es-tee-rah-dohestiˈɾaðo

adjectiveB2informal
Opt for 'estirado' when someone acts superior and aloof, often with a stiff or formal demeanor, as if they are too good for others.
A man with his nose pointed high in the air wearing a fancy tuxedo.

Examples

No me cae bien el nuevo jefe, es un poco estirado.

I don't like the new boss; he's a bit stuck-up.

A pesar de ser rica, ella no es nada estirada.

Despite being rich, she isn't stuck-up at all.

Eran tan estirados que ni siquiera nos saludaron.

They were so snooty they didn't even say hello to us.

Use with 'ser' vs 'estar'

Use 'ser' if you are describing someone's permanent personality (He is a snooty person). Use 'estar' if they are just acting that way today.

Thinking it means 'long'

Mistake: “El camino es estirado.”

Correction: El camino es largo. Use 'estirado' for things that were pulled tight or for people's attitudes, not for distance.

Chulo vs. Engreído

Learners often confuse 'chulo' and 'engreído'. While both describe arrogance, 'chulo' implies more outward cockiness and defiance, whereas 'engreído' focuses on internal conceit and self-importance.

Related Translations

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