Sunday, November 11, 2007

The meaning of "Puto(a)" varies, based on gender

In spanish there is a word called "puto(a)" which has two different meanings depending on the gender it refers to. If a male is called a "puto" it is as if he was called a fag which can be a very offensive because ot puts down your sexual orientation. Unlike when you call a woman a "puta" it is like calling her a slaut. I really do not have an opinion towards these words but I find it funny how one word can have to different meanings varied by gender. Either way these words arevery strong words. Unlike Beverly Gross mentions that sometimes slurs can be used for kindness I never seen this word used with kindness. Puto(a) is seen as a derogatory word and holds a strong position in the list of many offensive words and phrases.

16 comments:

mstrz said...

I think the punch of the terms is very geographical and depends on the overall "tone" of delivery... In Southern South America calling a male friend "puto" may be an affectionate term; even though one would never refer to a female friend as "puta" which is offensive and vulgar and refers to a "slut" or "prostitute." Americans are often exposed to Spanish slang used in Mexico which is not necessarily shared in the rest of Spanish speaking countries... So be careful as to who says it and in what context.

mstrz said...

I think the punch of the terms is very geographical and depends on the overall "tone" of delivery... In Southern South America calling a male friend "puto" may be an affectionate term; even though one would never refer to a female friend as "puta" which is offensive and vulgar and refers to a "slut" or "prostitute." Americans are often exposed to Spanish slang used in Mexico which is not necessarily shared in the rest of Spanish speaking countries... So be careful as to who says it and in what context.

Anonymous said...

I never really cared to know what this word meant until now, I knew it was obviously degrading... Some random guy on fb posted on a Simple innocent pic of my child "puto gringos". Now I know, and now I'm offended, I'm a very open hearted person and accepting of all types of people, but this crossed the line for me.... Thanks for informing me of the meaning to this.

Mrkporky said...
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johnny said...

It's become an issue at The World Cup Soccer games because Mexican fans are chanting "puto" to the goalkeeper to distract him. People are saying it's homophobic. I don't think the fans mean it that way, but if the gay community is offended then why not stop saying it.

And I don't see why people would think you look mean. Or why they think you are stuck up. I don't see any reason for them thinking you are stuck up.

$ said...

The word "fag" is just as bad if not worse. Why would you use that instead of homosexual? Homophobe.

EMPED EV said...

It's used at work or when joking with close friends that will call each other puto, like a girl saying bitch to a girl friend. Definitely inappropriate, not HR friendly, of politically correct. My friends (co-workers) used to call each other that throughout the day," hey what up puto" or "hurry up puto", "don't make me push your shit in puto" It was funny to see the older Spanish speaking ladies at works faces when u hey would ask the non Hispanics in our crew " do you know what that means" or would caution us about saying that around the wrong people and we would be in HR. Lol

Jacquie H. said...

Thought I would help you out with your spelling...SLUT...not Slaut...and I would read over what you wrote before you post it. In my opinion, it doesn't look very good for you to have spelling errors, and words that need a space between them, but don't! It's a reflection of who you are....and yes we all make mistakes, and Swype likes to mess with everyone, just go back and check before you post you blog.

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Latinadas said...

If you want to listen to a discussion of the multiple meanings of Puto, listen to our podcast. http://latinadaspod.libsyn.com/puto-and-why-does-fifa-care-about-it

Idk said...

It’s swipe.

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