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How to Say "sucker" in Spanish

English → Spanish

palomo

pah-LOH-moh/paˈlomo/

nounB2informal
Use 'palomo' to describe someone who is currently being naive or gullible, especially when they are easily fooled in a specific situation.
A wide-eyed, smiling character walking toward a giant butterfly net held by a hidden figure behind a bush.

Examples

No seas tan palomo, ¡claro que es una broma!

Don't be so naive, of course it's a joke!

Ese pobre palomo se creyó toda la historia.

That poor sucker believed the whole story.

Descriptive Nouns

When calling someone a 'palomo' to mean naive, it acts as a noun that describes their personality in that moment.

Using it formally

Mistake: “Calling a boss or stranger 'palomo' in a serious setting.”

Correction: This is very informal and can be slightly insulting. Only use it with friends or to describe someone who was easily tricked.

quemado

/keh-MAH-doh//keˈmaðo/

nounC1informal
Use 'quemado' to refer to someone who has previously been tricked, scammed, or has lost out on an opportunity, implying they are now 'burned' or jaded.
A cartoon figure looking bewildered and holding an empty, open leather wallet upside down, symbolizing being tricked or losing money.

Examples

Lo invitaron a la fiesta y no fue; ¡qué quemado!

They invited him to the party and he didn't go; what a loser!

Me vendieron un coche dañado, fui un quemado.

They sold me a damaged car, I was a sucker.

Used as an Insult

This meaning is almost always used as a negative label or mild insult, similar to calling someone 'a failure' or 'a disappointment'.

Palomo vs. Quemado

Learners often confuse 'palomo' and 'quemado' by using 'palomo' for someone who has already been tricked. Remember, 'palomo' describes current gullibility, while 'quemado' refers to someone who has experienced a loss or deception in the past.

Related Translations

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