All words have an origin and a history. It can be interesting to learn about how a word’s usage and meaning has changed over time.
As an example, let’s look at the Spanish word pendejo meaning.
Root & Meaning
The word “pendejo” has a Latin root meaning, “pubic hair.” It is no surprise this word originated from the world’s oldest language. Later, in 16th Century Spain, the word “pendejo” was used in reference to pubescent teens who tried to act like adults.
The root of the word’s meaning was adapted to an even more elaborate definition in the 17th Century. The word “pendejo” would be in reference to someone deemed as a coward. While that usage tends to drop the original root meaning, being a coward or afraid could equate to being a child or someone immature.
After colonization in the early 1900s, “pendejo” came to mean “dumb” or “stupid” in the Americas. This meaning matches the modern slang usage today in which “pendejo” means “idiot” or “asshole.”
Interestingly, in Peru, the meaning of “pendejo” is closer to the direct translation of “pubic hair.” There, “pendejo” means a smart person with little or no scruples.
Variations
As with most languages, there are variations of the usage of the word. For example, “pendejo” is the masculine form of the noun and would be used to refer to a man. If you were referring to a female, you would use the feminine version which is “pendeja.”
Usage of the word also varies based on geographic area. Mexican Spanish slang differs from other Latin American countries, but “pendejo” is also used in Colombia and Venezuela. It isn’t highly offensive, but you should still exercise caution when using the word, especially if you don’t know the area or person very well.
If using “pendejo” in Argentina, it would mean a reference to a younger man or boy trying to be an adult or act older than he is. This is a throwback to the original meaning from Spain.
Usage
You should always conduct research before using slang in new areas, especially swear words or insulting phrases. While in some instances, “pendejo” means something as more of a joke, it could be offensive in some instances.
If you are in a situation where everyone around you in the crowd is a good friend, you can casually use the word “pendejo” in an almost affectionate or joking manner. It isn’t meant in an offensive way in that context. Using the proper tone, and the way you speak the word goes a long way towards how the meaning is perceived.
However, if you are in a professional setting, you should never use the word “pendejo.” Even if you are not in the office, and out on a work retreat or company picnic, you should still never get too comfortable with work colleagues to use slang that could be misunderstood.
You should also never write a swear word like “pendejo” in an email or on any professional communication. That rule applies to all swear words. The more you understand the proper situations where you should and should not use certain words, the easier your communications will be.
Synonyms
To further understand the origin of the word “pendejo,” we can compare it to other words in the English language that mean the same thing but have a different direct translation.
For example, a few equivalent English words to “pendejo” are “stupid” and “imbecile” to name only two. You could easily work the word “pendejo” into your English vocabulary replacing the word “asshole” officially. Not only will you be able to get away with calling someone an asshole, but you’re also likely to start up an interesting conversation about word meanings.
Interchangeable
While the word “pendejo” can be used in both an affectionate, and insulting manner, there are no cultural taboos for using the word cross-culturally.
It doesn’t matter if you aren’t from Spanish descent or heritage. The word “pendejo” is a relatively well-known expression in certain areas of the United States. You also don’t need to know Spanish to understand the origin of the word and its meaning.
“Pendejo” is heard being used in English speaking communities in the southeastern United States. It is often used in verbal or text communications and is considered suitable for use in social situations. Personally, I would still avoid using the word in any professional setting.
Conclusion
There is no reason to misuse words when living and working in new areas, especially when we can easily research their origin. By understanding the meaning and appropriate situations for usage, even swear words or insults from other cultures can be adapted into our own. Studying word origin is a great way to enhance one’s vocabulary.
