{"id":6599,"date":"2022-08-22T22:29:06","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T22:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=6599"},"modified":"2022-08-22T22:29:06","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T22:29:06","slug":"pendejo-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/pendejo-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Pendejo \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did someone call you a 'pendejo<\/em><\/strong>' after you made a mistake? Are they insulting you? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this Spanish expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression 'pendejo<\/em>' is a derogatory slur in Spanish towards people with inferior intellect. The direct translation of the word to English is 'moron,' 'stupid,' or 'idiot.'<\/em> It's a common Spanish insult to people who do stupid things or act without thinking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

'Pendejo<\/em>' is not a vulgar term or an offensive insult. It's meant to draw a person's attention to their actions and to proceed with better care. In some cases, 'pendejo<\/em>' can mean a term of endearment between friends.<\/p>\n

In some cases, 'pandejo<\/em>' can refer to a kid acting too old for their age or faking their age to appear older.<\/p>\n

'Pendejo<\/em>' is the masculine form, and 'pendej<\/em>a' is the feminine version of the insult. The word 'pendejo' originates from Latin, translating to 'pubic hair<\/em>.' It's a common insult in Mexico and Mexican communities in the southwestern United States.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cOh no, pendejo. What have you done this time? I can\u2019t take you anywhere without you causing problems. You\u2019re totally useless to me, do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

These pendejos don\u2019t know what they\u2019re doing. They\u2019ve been working on this for over an hour and are no further with it than when they started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, pendejo. I know it's hard for your simple brain to understand this. But, remember to turn the stove off next time after you finish cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, pendejo, what are you up to over there? Don\u2019t touch the electric fence, or it will shock you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u2018pendejo\u2019 originates from the Spanish language. The word supposedly translates to \u2018pubic hair\u2019 and was used in 16th century Spain to describe preadolescent teenagers displaying adult behavior.<\/p>\n

In the mid-17th century, the meaning of the term changed to \u2018coward,\u2019 with Spanish people using it as an insult to people afraid to show bravery in demanding situations. By the 1900s, the word \u201cpendejo\u201d changed its meaning again, shifting from referring to a \u2018coward\u2019 to meaning \u2018stupid\u2019 or idiot.\u2019<\/p>\n

The term is popular in Mexico but is widespread in all central and southern Latin-American countries. The phrase is also commonly used in communities in the southwestern United States.<\/p>\n

In some South American counties, such as Argentina, \u2018pendejo\u2019 means a young man attempting to act older than his age.<\/p>\n