The Eight Ugliest Words in Spanish

Have you ever wondered why Spanish is considered one of the most charming languages in the world? It’s because it has words as sweet as besito (little kiss), and others that aren't quite as adorable—this language truly has it all. And the best part is that, with a bit of humor, even the ugliest words can become amusing. They’re all part of the variety and richness of Spanish. So don’t be afraid of the ugly—let it make you smile as you discover the nuances and surprises this language has to offer. Deep down, the “ugly” in Spanish can be just as interesting as the “pretty”!

Why do some words sound ugly to us?

Sometimes, certain words in Spanish may be considered ugly due to their sound or the concept they represent. For example, words like diarrea (diarrhea) or boñiga (dung) not only sound a bit unpleasant, but they’re also associated with topics that tend to be uncomfortable or gross. The perception of a word’s ugliness can come from a combination of its phonetics and the context in which it’s used.

However, this ugliness doesn’t have to be negative. When learning a language, it’s important to understand even these words in order to fully grasp the language. In fact, what may initially seem unpleasant is also part of a rich and varied vocabulary that adds depth and authenticity to our communication.

Let’s start with the beautiful stuff: A language to fall in love with… sometimes

Spanish is a language that makes you fall in love with words like luz (light), corazón (heart), or alegría (joy). These words not only sound pleasant, but they’re also full of beautiful meanings and happy emotions. Just imagine expressing your feelings with the word amor instead of love. Sounds more romantic, doesn’t it?

But there are ugly words, too

Like any love story, there’s also a less glamorous side. In Spanish, there are some words we might consider ugly—because of their meaning or how they sound. Though, let’s be honest, sometimes they’re kind of funny, too. Here are a few:

• Seborrea – Seborrhea: This word is not only tricky to pronounce but also sounds a little weird. If you ever want to avoid it, you can simply say “skin problem.”
  
  
• Boñiga – Dung: It just means animal excrement. Even though it contains the beloved Spanish letter “Ñ,” it’s definitely not a fan favorite.
  
  
• Diarrea – Diarrhea: There’s really no way to make this word sound nice. But if you’d rather avoid it, you could say you’re feeling “unwell” or have “digestive issues.”
  
  
• Sobaco – Armpit: You might think this sounds like a Caribbean cigar, but it’s actually just an informal way to say axila. If you want to sound more refined, you could go with “under the arm.”
  
  
• Prurito – Pruritus (itch): This refers to an annoying itch. If you want to tone it down, you can say hormigueo (tingling) or picazón (itch).
  
  
• Petulante – Smug: Know someone who’s arrogant? This is a great word to describe them, even if it’s not the prettiest in the dictionary.
  
  
• Recoveco – Nook (hidden corner): Sounds a bit like a scolding, but it just means a corner or hidden place. If it feels too harsh, you can say escondite (hiding spot) instead.
  
  
• Ganglio – Ganglion: Might sound scary, but it just refers to a type of gland. To soften it, you can use the word glándula.

Learn how to use all the words in Spanish

In our Spanish classes, you won’t just learn to express yourself with beautiful words—you’ll also discover the fun side of the language. What should you do with those ugly Spanish words? You’ll learn how to handle them with humor and confidence! And you’ll always have alternative ways to sound elegant—even when talking about ganglios or a simple sobaco.

Spanish has its Yin and Yang

Spanish is such a diverse and rich language that no matter what word you use, there’s always a way to make it your own. With our classes, you’ll learn to use both the most beautiful and the ugliest words naturally and playfully. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident when you speak.

Join WorldsAcross and discover a universe of Spanish words. Start speaking Spanish with confidence!