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How to Say "wimp" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lila

/LEE-lah//ˈlila/

nounB2informal
Use 'lila' when you want to call someone a wimp or a fool for lacking courage, often in a slightly playful but still critical way.
A friendly person with a wide, confused smile wearing a colorful hat with a spinning propeller.

Examples

No seas lila y no les des tu dinero.

Don't be a wimp and don't give them your money.

Me engañaron porque fui un poco lila.

They tricked me because I was a bit naive.

Quedó como un lila delante de todos.

He looked like a fool in front of everyone.

Gender of the person

Even though 'lila' ends in 'a', you can use it for both men and women. For a man, you say 'un lila'; for a woman, 'una lila'.

Not for Formal Talk

Mistake: “Using this in a business meeting.”

Correction: This is very informal. Use 'ingenuo' (naive) in professional settings instead.

maricón

nounC1offensive, informal
Use 'maricón' to call someone a wimp or a coward, but be aware this term is more offensive and can be derogatory, especially towards gay men.

Examples

No seas maricón y salta al agua.

Don't be a wimp and jump in the water.

Choosing Between 'Lila' and 'Maricón'

Learners often confuse 'lila' and 'maricón' because both can mean 'wimp'. The main difference is the level of offense: 'lila' is milder and focuses on foolishness/lack of courage, while 'maricón' is stronger, more insulting, and carries homophobic connotations.

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