The word pendejo, meaning ‘asshole’ colloquially, could be considered a swear word by many. Note: because of the way the Spanish language works, the word ‘pendejo’ is the male version of the word. You would use it when addressing someone as a man. When addressing a female subject, the word would be ‘pendeja.’ You would use this version when addressing someone as a woman. Either way, the manner the word is taken will depend on a variety of different factors, such as:

• The context of when the word is said. It will probably be taken more offensively in an argument or at work than if you say it while joking with your buddies.
• The user’s tone of voice. Even at work, if it’s said as a quick, witty comeback, it’s one thing. If used seriously, as the saying goes, “them be fighting words.”
• The relationship of the person addressed. It’s best not to use it in the presence of your grandparents, religious figures, or your boss, for instance, unless they are irreverent people, you’re looking to insult them, or you’re doing so to prove a point.

It’s probably the equivalent of the Japanese term baka, which can be translated as idiot, jackass, dumbass, or unthinking fool.

Reason 1 to Use Pendejo or Pendeja: As a Mild Insult

The first reason to use pendejo or pendeja is as a mild insult. The intention behind it is to question the person’s mental acuity, ability to pay attention, professionalism, or ability to do a job.

Some alternatives might be

• el zoquete, which translates to oaf, duffer, clod, lump, dullard, block
• el patán, which translates to lout, boor, oaf, bumpkin, yokel, churl
• el bobalicó, which translates to twerp, oaf
• idiota, which translates to idiot, fool, moron, berk, stupid person
• el tonto, which translates to silly, fool, stupid, idiot, dummy, moron
• el estúpido, which translates to the insult of idiot, bonehead, coot, donkey, stupe, blunderhead
• el loco, which translates to the insult of madman, zany, half-wit, loony
• el bobo, which translates to fool, silly, booby, stupid, boob, idiot
• gilipollas, which translates to asshole, ass, idiot, dickhead, wanker, arsehole
• el burro or el pollino, which translates to the insult of ‘donkey,’ burro/ mule, ass, dunce, jackass, idiot
• el mamón, which translates to mammon (money’s evil influence), sucker, suckling, idiot
• el pavo, which translates to turkey or turkeycock

Reason 2 to Use Pendejo or Pendeja:

As a Backhanded Compliment

Another reason you might call someone a pendejo or pendeja is as a backhanded compliment. But the exact meaning of the complement only becomes apparent in the speaker’s tone of voice. For instance, in English, you say with a tone of absolute awe, “You Motherf*cker” (though at that point, they’d pronounce each word). Even if you disagree with what the other person is doing, it ends up being a sign of respect.

Similarly, the word ‘asshole’ can be seen as a backhanded compliment, though this is often done as a joke. For instance, a person might say something that falls into the category of “funny but wrong.” The other person, cracking up, might call them an asshole. Conversely, the person calling them an asshole sees their point and agrees with them but thinks their behavior is brazen. The fact that they’re calling them an asshole is not because they’re insulting them. They’re being called an asshole because they see the point but wouldn’t express themselves that way because it is a faux pas.

Reason 3 to Use Pendejo or Pendeja: As an Actual Insult

While you CAN use pendejo or pendeja to insult people, it’s quite inappropriate. To use these words as a real insult would

• hurt others’ feelings
• damage your relationship with the other person – maybe even permanently
• ruin your professional reputation
• potentially “blackball” you from an entire industry

You only want to use pendejo or pendeja as an insult if you want to burn a bridge or express how angry, upset, or hurt you are. It’s the equivalent of calling someone a

• bitch, which would translate to la perra or la puta
• son of a bitch, motherf*cker, which translates to hijo de puta or el pendejo
• piece of shit, which translates to pedazo de mierda
• fag, which translates to joto
• el coño or la concha, which translates to pussy, cunt, fanny, twat, canaille

Situations NOT to use Pendejo or Pendka

There are situations where you don’t want to use these words.

• When applying for a job, in an interview, or in front of an important client
• In the presence of older people, particularly your parents, uncles, aunts, or grandparents
• Watched by your pastor, priest, clergy, or other highly religious audience who might take offense
• In a PG-13 or lower-rated movie. You might get away with it once, but more than that may cause the rating to go up to “R.”
• In your doctor’s office, there are more anatomical ways of discussing that part of the body.
• Doing so in school or college may cause you needless trouble.
• It would be best if you didn’t use these words when you don’t want to hurt or insult the other party accidentally.