Are you learning English? Certainly, learning insults and swear words is part of immersing yourself in the culture. It might be somewhat uncomfortable or unpleasant for some. It can also be fun or intriguing for others. The truth is that it's quite difficult to understand these words if you don't have direct contact with the culture. While many appear in movies, employing them requires good comprehension and sometimes we tend to avoid them because they're unpleasant.
Native English speakers use insults and swear words in their everyday conversations. These expressions help establish a real connection. When breaking the ice, it's not uncommon to joke or even use swear words for one reason or another. So it's better to learn at least some of these expressions if you plan to make friends with locals and understand everything during conversations.
Identifying these words will help you improve your understanding and allow you to better comprehend people and their culture. However, using vulgar words can make you seem disrespectful. Swear words can be offensive; use the wrong ones and you'll quickly come across as a rude person.
You must pay attention to understand the context and cultural sensitivity to use expressions and swear words carefully if you ever decide to employ them. Never forget to be responsible and feel the emotion behind the words and how they affect others.
On the other hand, it's estimated that between 1% and 3% of the words that some people say per day are swear words. Academic research has revealed that saying insults is a way to control anger and can also relieve the effect of physical pain.
For now, beyond discomfort or modesty, it's good to know some of these words so you can understand when someone is being offensive and take action accordingly. For this purpose, we've created a list of offensive, swear words and insults. Get ready, they're spicy!
But first, start learning English now so you can get the most out of your travels or language classes! Lingidy by Vidalingua is one of the best iPhone apps for learning 11 languages, with 101 lessons and thousands of interactive exercises. Download it free from the App Store 📲
A person who is distracted or doesn't pay attention. This term falls short of a swear word. It is a mild insult used to criticize someone who focuses on unimportant things or who is not very smart.
Ass is a swear word that refers to the buttocks, but it's commonly used to describe someone who is stupid or foolish. It can also be used to refer to a donkey or mule in a non-vulgar way. Paradoxically, the word "badass" is a compliment, used to say that someone is good at something.
Asshole is an especially offensive swear word used to insult a person when they are annoying or detestable.
Asswipe is a derogatory term or swear word used to refer to someone considered extremely annoying or useless. It's used to insult a person, implying they're only good as toilet paper.
A swear word used to insult a person who has morally reprehensible behavior. The literal meaning is the child of an unwed mother.
Bellend is a mild insult used in the UK in a more affectionate context among friends to say that a person is an idiot.
Bimbo is more of an insult than a swear word, used to refer to an attractive woman but considered unintelligent or stupid.
This swear word literally means a female dog. Figuratively, it is used to describe a woman who is aggressive, unpleasant, controlling, or mean.
An Australian swear that describes a working-class person considered uncultured or unsophisticated. It's associated with behaviors and tastes considered vulgar or in bad taste.
A British swear word used to say that something is false or doesn't make sense. It can also be an exclamation of frustration or anger. The literal meaning is a pair of testicles. This swear word has a vulgar tone and is used colloquially.
A swear word used in America to describe a person who has committed a stupid or clumsy action.
Bozo is more of an insult than a swear work and refers to an idiot or incompetent person. It's used to describe someone who makes stupid mistakes or shows lack of intelligence. This insult is based on a real-life clown named Bozo, very popular in the United States and played by Art Cervi, shown below.
A word in British English that can have several meanings, depending on the context. It can be an exclamation of frustration, a mild insult, or refer to someone who is annoying or stupid. It has vulgar connotations. When used as a verb, bugger is a very offensive swear word used to mean anal intercourse.
Bullshit is a swear word used more often in American English to indicate disbelief in what someone is saying.
A mild insult used to describe someone who is acting stupid or annoying. It's a contraction of "butt" and "head", suggesting that the person is as unintelligent as their buttocks.
A mild insult to describe a stingy person, someone who doesn't want to spend money, even in situations where it would be reasonable to do so. It's used in a derogatory way to criticize a stingy person.
A derogatory term that describes someone who is cowardly or afraid of facing difficult situations. It can also refer to something trivial or insignificant.
Although the literal translation is "rooster", it's a way of saying penis and also serves as a vulgar swear for a person.
A swear word in British English that combines "cock" (penis) and "womble" (a fictional character), used to describe someone who is extremely annoying, incompetent, or stupid. It's a colloquial and vulgar term that refers to an unpleasant person who makes insulting statements.
A mild term synonymous with "shit" or used to mean something "disgusting". It functions as an adjective but also as a noun. It's a vulgar expression used to say that something is worthless or of very low quality. It can be used to express dissatisfaction or disgust.
Cunt is a particularly vulgar swear word, expecially in the United States, that literally means a vagina. It's used to speak disrespectfully of a woman or to say that someone is stupid. It's a stronger insult than Motherfucker or Son of a bitch. In Australian, male friends sometimes use this to refer to each other in a slightly less offensive way than it's use in the United States.
It expresses anger, it can be used to emphasize something, express surprise or disgust. It can be considered a mild curse or a soft vulgar word. It can also be used informally to emphasize something.
A mild swear word that refers to a person of little intelligence or who lacks common sense.
This word is a colloquial or vulgar expression used in English to refer to someone who is clumsy or stupid.
This swear word is used to refer to people who have screwed up on a particular task. It also refers to a stupid and incompetent person. Although this insult is of British origin, it's used in Australia to refer to cattle rustlers.
A term used to describe a person considered stupid or unintelligent. Many years ago, teachers used to make slow students wear a conical hat called "dunce cap".
Used to insult a person, especially a man who is considered unpleasant or vulgar, although literally it means a penis.
This swear word or vulgar expression is specifically intended for annoying, despicable, or unpleasant people.
A swear word used to describe someone who is stupid or incompetent. The word suggests that the person doesn't have much intelligence or ability.
An Australian term used to describe something or someone who is dangerous, unreliable, or dishonest. It can also refer to risky or insecure situations.
Used in English as a vulgar expression to say that a person is stupid, particularly if they don't have social skills or are unpopular.
An offensive insult or unpleasant person. It can be translated as "imbecile".
This vulgar expression is a synonymous with "stupid" or "idiot", or any other word that serves to indicate a lack of intelligence or ability of a person.
Can be translated as "imbecile". It refers to a stupid or unintelligent person.
In current English, this word is used pejoratively to refer to a homosexual man, and its use is widely considered offensive and homophobic. Historically, in England, "fag" was also a colloquial term for a cigarette.
A vulgar expression used to refer to homosexual men in a derogatory way. In ancient English, it used to mean a bundle of sticks as shown below, in this iconic album cover of the Led Zeppelin rock band.
This is one of the most commonly used swear words in English. It's used to make reference to having sexual relations. It's not one of the most aggressive insults, although it depends on the context. It's used as a noun or verb in several phrases to express annoyance, disdain, or impatience.
The phrase "fuck you" is one of the most direct and offensive expressions in the English language, used primarily to express anger, contempt, or rejection. Literally, the verb "fuck" refers to sexual intercourse. Figuratively, "fuck you" is used to mean "I hate you", "Screw you" or "Go to hell".
An expression or vulgar swear that means to care or be concerned about something. It's usually used in the negative, "don't give a fuck" to indicate total disinterest or indifference towards a situation or person.
An English insult used to express a high degree of anger, disdain, or rejection towards someone.
In some cases an extremely offensive expression and refers to stupid or annoying people. However, some friends call each other this way to express affection.
A strong exclamation of frustration, anger, or surprise. The word "fucking" intensifies the exclamation, while "hell" adds a tone of desperation or anger. It's a vulgar and forceful phrase used to swear.
A swear word that combines "fuck" and "twit", used to describe someone who is extremely stupid or incompetent. It's used as a vulgar expression to highlight the lack of intelligence of someone.
An expression of frustration or anger, invoking the name of God to curse or emphasize a negative feeling. It's a potentially offensive phrase.
It's an English expression used as a softened version of the word "hell", it's used to express surprise, frustration, astonishment, or emphasis.
Literally, Hell is the place where sinners go after death, so the opposite of heaven. However, when used casually, it is a swear word used when something goes wrong, as in "What the hell is going on?".
A British exclamation of surprise, anger, or frustration. The word "bloody" is used as emphasis, while "hell" intensifies the exclamation. It's used to convey a strong negative emotion in a specific situation.
An English phrase used to express strong disdain or anger towards someone, telling them to go to hell. It's a direct and offensive way to reject or wish them the worst and can be used as an alternative to "fuck off".
For rappers, it's a vulgar expression they frequently use in their lyrics and refers to a woman with a negative connotation. It's an abbreviation of the insult "whore”.
A swear word used to refer to a person (usually a woman) who forms a relationship primarily for their money. Gold Digger is the name of a popular Kanye West song.
In its offensive or vulgar sense, it's equivalent to idiot or stupid. It refers to someone who doesn't care about others, who is insensitive, arrogant, or selfish and does stupid things.
This vulgar expression is used to show disrespect, anger, or defiance towards someone. It's usually used in a provocative tone, to show rejection towards an opinion or request from someone.
A situation or experience that confuses, or deeply impacts a person's mind. It can refer to something that challenges logic or expectations, causing confusion or disturbance.
A British swear word used to describe a person considered ugly or unpleasant. It's used to insult someone's physical appearance in an offensive way.
This British expression refers to a person who is thoughtless or mentally defective who spends their time dreaming awake.
Motherfucker is a strong swear word used to denigrate someone who has inappropriate behaviors or attitudes. It's used to refer to someone you hate or that you are very angry with.
Moron is a swear word used to refer to someone you consider very stupid.
A mild swear used in English to describe a person who is stupid or who lacks common sense.
A swear word or vulgar expression that refers to a stupid or insensitive person. The word "numb" suggests a lack of sensitivity or intelligence, while "nuts" adds a derogatory tone referring to a man's testicals.
A gentler and more affectionate way of saying stupid.
A derogatory term used to describe someone who behaves irrationally or is mentally unstable. It's used to indicate eccentricity or madness.
An crude expression that describes something or someone considered useless or despicable. It's a strong and vulgar expression used to indicate disdain for somebody as in, "that peson is a piece shit."
A British insult used to describe a stupid or incompetent person. It's a colloquial word and less offensive than other vulgar alternatives. It can be translated as "imbecile.”
Piss is used to say "urinate" in a vulgar way. It's also used to express anger or frustration. In British English, to "take the piss" means to make fun of something or to mock somebody.
A British expression of anger or irritation, used to tell someone to go away or stop bothering you as in "Piss off, mate." It's a direct and vulgar swear.
Derived from the previous word, it's used to say that someone is angry.
A British swear used to describe someone who is stupid or annoying. It's an informal word and less offensive than other insults.
A vulgar term for the penis. It's also used as a swear word or vulgar expression to refer to an unpleasant person who is cruel to someone they consider inferior.
Another vulgar expression used to refer to the vagina. It's used to say that someone is cowardly.
Used to insult someone who has done something dishonest or unpleasant.
Can be used to mean something is really bad, as in "shit" or "shitty". Can also be used to describe a terrible person as a "piece of shit". However it can also be used to mean something is great, as in, "the shit". This ambiguity is defined by the context. When you want to answer "no" in a direct and offensive way, you can use the expression "eat shit".
A vulgar or swear word that describes a person who is extremely drunk. It suggests a state of drunkenness where the person loses control of their actions and behavior. It's used as a swear word to say that a person is despicable or gross or to describe someone who looks very bad after drinking.
A swear word used to describe someone who is unpleasant, stupid, or annoying. It's an expression of disdain towards another person.
A direct and generally used vulgar expression to tell someone to stop talking. It's used to silence another person abruptly and imperatively.
An expression that describes somebody who acts arrogantly, believing they know everything. It's used as a swear word to criticize someone who tries to demonstrate intellectual superiority in an irritating way.
A term that describes a person who is skillful but who lacks principles and only cares about their personal interests without caring about helping others. It was first used in American politics in the 1990s.
A particularly offensive insult meaning literally that a person's mother is a dog.
This expression is used as a mile expression to describe a person that is stuck in their ways or close minded to change.
It's a vulgar expression that literally means "suck my testicals" and is a crude way of expressing disrespect, anger, or lack of respect towards someone. It's used in a provocative or confrontational tone.
It's used to refer to a stupid person. However, it's taken a broader meaning and is used to describe annoying or considered pathetic people. Some people maintain that it has the same meaning as wanker.
Another vulgar expression aimed at women who sleep with many people.
In the UK, a stronger insult is also used that also means vagina, which is a derogatory way of calling a person "imbécil”.
This vulgar expression usually used to address a man, derived from the verb "wank" which means to masturbate. It refers to someone who is annoying and stupid, particularly if they try to attract attention.
Another way of saying "idiot", "short" or "dunce". It's an original word from northern England.
It's another way of saying prostitute to insult women.
These insults in English reflect a wide range of emotions and attitudes that vary from frustration and anger to disdain and mockery. Each insult or vulgar expression has its own connotation and specific uses within different cultural and regional contexts.
While some insults are mild and can be used in informal situations without causing much offense, others are extremely vulgar and can be deeply offensive. It's important not only to understand the literal meaning of these swears, but also the context in which they are used and the intention behind their use.
Saying insults, just like religion or music, is a phenomenon that is present in all cultures and the sound of words together with their semantic content is what gives them power, allowing them to express different emotions many times emphasizing, scandalizing and tolerating pain.
When addressing language and intercultural communication, it's essential to be aware of how insults can affect personal and professional relationships, and use language with sensitivity and respect towards others. Recognizing the subtleties and nuances of swear words, insults or vulgar expressions in English allows us to navigate conversations in this language better and avoid misunderstandings that may arise due to cultural and linguistic differences.
Did you like this article? Share it with a friend...
Good luck!
Ivana Alderete
Linguist
VidaLingua
London is steeped in history and modernity, offering a unique blend of past and present. It's the perfect city to learn English and other languages.
French is a Romance language derived from Latin. It is the only language, alongside English, that is taught in every country in the world.
German is famous for having long words such as “kraftfahrzeughaftpflichtversicherung“, which means “automobile liability insurance”.
Have you written an article that would interest our readers?
Email us at
outreach@vidalingua.com.