November is moving in a strange direction in terms of Spanish learning, but here we go…

MIERDA lends itself to several different and ingenious expressions in Spanish. The list below is living proof:

• ¡Qué mierda!: This phrase is an expression of frustration, anger, or annoyance. It’s used when something goes wrong or is undesirable.
• Una mierda: This translates to “a piece of shit” or “crap.” It’s used to describe something as worthless, bad, or of poor quality.
• [noun] + de mierda: This translates to “of shit” or “shitty.” It’s used as an adjective to express dissatisfaction with something.
• Mucha mierda: This is the equivalent of the English phrase “break a leg.” It’s used to wish someone good luck, particularly before a performance, test or event.
• Hacerse mierda: I guess this phrase literally translates to “to turn to shit.” It’s a colloquial expression used to describe a violent or severe accident or to indicate that someone or something has been severely damaged or destroyed.

In some expressions, MIERDA and CARAJO are closely knit together

• Mandar a la mierda/al carajo a alguien: These phrases mean “to tell someone to go fuck themselves.” They are strong expressions of anger or frustration and are used to dismiss or reject someone in a rude or offensive manner.
• Irse a la mierda/al carajo: You would use these phrases to tell someone they crossed a line. Interestingly enough, when someone makes a positively surprising thing (for example they give us an important present) we sometimes also use it.

I hope you understand why I thought it was necessary to get into this after my last article on the body and bodily functions.

Until next time!

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