Gringa Guide to Spanish Lesson #2: When to use the word “estúpido“.
Short answer: NEVER
Long answer: Cabron…pendejo….might seem like highly offensive, fighting words to a gringa learning Spanish, but in fact, when used between friends, they are pretty much harmless.
This casual use of offensive terms is one of the most intriguing yet confusing aspects of the Latino culture that I’ve come across and during my studies, in an attempt to immerse myself completely and learn some “street Spanish”…I would allow myself the occasional use these words, just to see if I could get away with it. I must say, for Latinos, hearing a gringa say pendejo usually gets some laughs and is all for fun. Until, estúpido.
As little white kids, “stupid” was a major part of our vocabulary and while this word is pretty child-ish and if used with enough spite, could hurt your feelings, it really isn’t THAT offensive. In Spanish, however, it is quite the opposite! After offending more than my share of Latinos, I had to learn it the hard way….this word actually IS offensive and should be avoided.
So, take it from me, gringas, call Latinos any number of offensive names, just don’t call them estúpido.