Inklingo

How to Say "to badmouth" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pelar

/peh-LAHR//peˈlaɾ/

verbB2informal
Use 'pelar' when someone is gossiping or criticizing another person specifically behind their back, often in a slightly informal or gossipy way.
Two people whispering to each other while pointing at a person walking away in the distance.

Examples

Siempre están pelando a la vecina.

They are always badmouthing the neighbor.

No me gusta cuando la gente empieza a pelar a los demás.

I don't like it when people start tearing others apart.

La pelaron en la reunión sin que ella estuviera.

They criticized her in the meeting without her being there.

The Person is the Object

When using this meaning, the person you are badmouthing usually follows the 'personal a' rule (e.g., pelar A Juan).

rajar

/rah-HAR//ra'xaɾ/

verbB2informal
Choose 'rajar' when people are speaking negatively about someone else, particularly when they are absent or not present to defend themselves.
Two people whispering to each other while pointing at a third person who is walking away.

Examples

Ellos siempre están rajando de todo el mundo.

They are always badmouthing everyone.

No me gusta que rajes de tu hermano delante de mí.

I don't like it when you talk trash about your brother in front of me.

Se pasaron toda la cena rajando del jefe.

They spent the whole dinner badmouthing the boss.

Always use 'de'

When you are badmouthing someone, you must follow 'rajar' with the word 'de' (e.g., 'rajar DE María').

Missing the 'de'

Mistake: “Rajar Juan.”

Correction: Say 'Rajar de Juan'. Without 'de', it sounds like you are physically splitting Juan!

maldecir

/mahl-deh-SEER//maldeˈθiɾ/

verbC1informal
Use 'maldecir' when the negative talk is more like complaining or cursing about something or someone, implying strong dissatisfaction or anger.
A group of three people whispering and pointing toward a person walking away in the distance.

Examples

Se pasa el día maldiciendo de todo el mundo.

He spends the whole day speaking ill of everyone.

No deberías maldecir de tus amigos cuando no están.

You shouldn't badmouth your friends when they aren't around.

Using 'de'

When this word means 'to speak ill of,' it is often followed by the word 'de' (e.g., maldecir de alguien).

Informal Criticism vs. Cursing

The most common confusion is between 'pelar'/'rajar' and 'maldecir'. While 'pelar' and 'rajar' specifically refer to talking negatively about someone behind their back (gossiping), 'maldecir' is closer to complaining or cursing, often expressing frustration rather than just gossip.

Related Translations

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