Every language has its way of expressing displeasure. If you have ever been in the company of a Spanish speaker while they are upset, chances are you have heard them utter pinche at some point or the other.
If you are a Spanish speaker, or just want to express your displeasure in a unique way, you can use pinche to get your point across without offending sensitive ears.
In this post, we will explore how pinche can be used and what it means in different contexts. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Pinche is a Spanish word used to express strong displeasure with something. Pinche can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb.
When used as a noun, pinche refers to a person considered worthless or contemptible.
When used as an adjective, pinche describes something of poor quality or that does not work properly.
For example, you might say, "Este pinche coche se ha estropeado otra vez" (This damned car has broken down again). And when used as a verb, pinche means to prick or puncture. Pinche can also be used as an interjection to express frustration or anger. In this case, it is often shortened to just pues.
If you were to be given a gift or even to receive a purchase that was less than what you anticipated, you can consider it pinche. Depending on the context you would express that by saying its pinche, or pues, which essentially means no good. In English, the closest word that is on par with pinche would be disappointing. It is also used as a slur that means low value, bad, or specifically, a unskilled kitchen worker.
Example Usage
- “That guy is so pinche!!”
- “Call the pinche to come clean up these tables”.
- “I hate this place, its damn pinche”.
Origin
It is commonly used by North and Central American speakers, particularly in Mexico. While the exact origins of the word are unknown, it is thought to come from Latin. The word pinche is thought to come from the Latin phrase pinctus, which means "pricked" or “punctured." Its first recorded use in Spanish was in the early 1500s.
Pinche can be used in various ways, all of which convey a sense of strong displeasure or anger. It is a versatile word that can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb. Next time you're feeling frustrated with something, try using pinche to express yourself.
Phrases Similar to Pinche
- Cabrón/a: This word is similar to pinche in that it refers to a person considered worthless or contemptible. It can also be used to describe something that is of poor quality.
- Puta/o: This word is a strong insult that refers to a person considered promiscuous or sexually immoral.
Phrases opposite to Pinche
- Excelente: This word means "excellent" or “great." It is the opposite of pinche in that it describes something of high quality.
- Fantastico/a: This word means "fantastic" or “wonderful." It is used to describe something very good.
What is The Correct Saying?
- Pinche
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Pinche
Pinche is a versatile word that can be used in various ways. However, it is important to be aware of the connotations that come with this word. In some cases, pinche can be seen as an extreme insult. Therefore, it is important to use it carefully and only in situations where you feel comfortable using such language.
- Pinches: This is the plural form of pinche and should only be used when referring to more than one person or thing.
- Pinched: This is the past tense form of pinche and should only be used when referring to something that has already happened.
- Pinching: This is the present participle form of pinche and should only be used when referring to something that is happening currently.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Pinche
Pinche in most cases is considered vulgar, so it is important to use it with care. You can say:
- This weather is really pinche.
- El pinche cabrón.
- The pinche will be here all night cleaning up after the party.