All languages have one phrase that condenses anger like no other can’t possibly do it. In Argentinian Spanish, it’s LA PUTA MADRE. I can’t be sure whether it would translate as ‘fucking shit’ in English, but I feel it’s a good fit.

You smash your finger with a hammer:

¡La puta madre!

Alternatively, if it really hurts, you can go:

¡La puta madre que lo remilparió!

You drop your phone and the screen smashes:

¡La puta madre!

You realize you left you phone and have to go back all the way:

¡La puta madre!

A close second is LA CONCHA DE LA LORA [the cunt of the parrot]. You can use it and will hear it in exactly the same way.

What’s good about these phrases is that you’re not addressing anyone in particular, you’re just letting out frustration or pain with the right words. In a coming post, I’ll address LA PUTA QUE TE PARIÓ, which usually has a recipient.

Until next time,

Happy Spanish learning!

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