Spanish word

buey

Pronunciation

IPA/bwei/

Meaning

  • masculine nounidiot

Example

¡No seas buey!

Don't be an idiot!

Illustration for buey (idiot)

More examples

En la discusión lo insultaron y le dijeron buey.

During the discussion they insulted him and called him an idiot.

Core concept

Large slow ox used for heavy farm work.

Common phrases

  • hacerse el buey

    play dumb

  • llamar buey a alguien

    call someone an idiot

Similar words

tonto: Marks a person as simple-minded for forgetful or careless behavior, mildly derogatory.
idiota: Declares someone's intelligence or judgment lacking in a blunt, insulting way.
pendejo: Calls someone extremely stupid with harsh, vulgar language often heard in Mexico.
imbécil: Accuses someone of a severe lack of common sense or judgment in an intense tone.

Definition in Spanish

Designa a un bovino castrado destinado al trabajo; en el habla coloquial y vulgar, insulto para alguien considerado tonto.

Word origin

Derived from Latin bos → bovem and transmitted through Vulgar Latin and Old Spanish to buey, with the animal's slow, laboring image becoming a metaphor for a dull person.

Usage tips

  • Pronunciation is roughly 'bway' rather than 'boo-ey' or 'boy', and speakers use tonto or idiota in polite contexts because buey is coarse.

Other meanings

  • oxnoun

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