Garrett Strommen

What does Ostia mean in English? The 3 most common Castilian Spanish Curse Words

What does Ostia mean in English? What about Joder or Gilipollas? So you are traveling to Spain, but want to ensure you know more than your high school Spanish class taught you? Keep reading, and you will soon know the three most common curse words used in Spain, including the meaning of Ostia, Joder, and Gilipollas in English.

The 3 Most Common Castilian Spanish Slang and curse words are:

Joder = Fuck, Shit.

“Joder” is a Spanish verb that can be translated to English as “to annoy” or “to bother.” However, in many contexts, it’s a colloquial or vulgar term that can express surprise, frustration, annoyance, or displeasure. Its intensity varies depending on the region and context, but it’s often equivalent to the English “f***” in terms of its versatility and potential offensiveness.

The origin of “joder” is believed to come from the Latin “futuere,” which means “to have sexual intercourse.” Over time, just as with the English equivalent, the term evolved to have a broader range of meanings beyond its original sense.

In daily usage in Spain and many Latin American countries, it can be found in various expressions:
- “¡Joder!” can express surprise, similar to “Damn!”
- “No me jodas” can mean “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
- “Estoy jodido” might be “I’m screwed” or “I’m in trouble.”
However, it’s essential to be cautious when using this term, especially in formal contexts or with people you don’t know well, as it can be perceived as rude or offensive.
Ostia = Damn! Ouch!

“Ostia” is another colloquial and versatile term in Spanish. Its literal translation is “host” or “wafer,” referring to the sacramental bread used in Christian Eucharistic rituals. However, in everyday Spanish, especially in Spain, “ostia” has taken on various slang meanings and is commonly used as an exclamation.

Here’s a breakdown of its usage and meanings:
- Exclamation of surprise, frustration, or pain: Much like “joder,” “¡Ostia!” can be used similarly to English exclamations like “Damn!” or “Ouch!” For example, if someone suddenly stubs their toe, they might exclaim, “¡Ostia!”
- Referring to a slap or punch: “Una ostia” can colloquially mean a hit or blow. “Darme una ostia” can mean “give me a slap” or “hit me.”
- Expressions:
  - “La ostia” or “la hostia”: Depending on context, this can be translated as “amazing” or “incredible” but can also mean the exact opposite, “terrible” or “awful.” For example, “Ese coche es la ostia” means “That car is amazing.”
  - “Ostia puta”: An even stronger exclamation of surprise or annoyance, roughly analogous to “holy shit” in English, though, again, the intensity and acceptability vary by context and region.
- Adjective: It can be used to describe something as extreme. “Hace un frío de la ostia” means “It’s extremely cold.”
As with “joder,” it’s crucial to use “ostia” carefully, especially in more formal contexts or with those unfamiliar with its colloquial meanings, as it can be perceived as vulgar or impolite.

The evolution of “ostia” from a religious term to a colloquial exclamation is a curious linguistic journey. It’s not entirely clear how it made this transition, but the transformation underscores the dynamic and fluid nature of language.
Gilipollas = Idiot, Jerk, Asshole

“Gilipollas” is a colloquial term in Spanish, and it’s typically used in a derogatory manner.

Meaning:
- At its core, “gilipollas” can be translated as “idiot,” “jerk,” “asshole,” or other similar terms in English. It describes someone who behaves in a foolish, irritating, or nonsensical manner.
Usage:
- It can be used to refer to someone directly: “Eres un gilipollas” (“You’re an idiot”).
- Or, it can be employed to express frustration about someone’s actions: “¡Qué gilipollas!” (“What an idiot!”).
Origin: The etymology of “gilipollas” is not definitively known, but there are some theories. The term “gili-” might be derived from “gilito,” which used to mean “little silly” or “foolish.” The “-pollas” part is trickier, as “polla” is a slang term in Spain referring to the male genitalia. So, combining these two might have enhanced the derogatory sense of the term.

Caution: As with other slang and derogatory terms, it’s essential to be careful when using “gilipollas.” It’s offensive and should not be used lightly or in formal contexts. Remember that cultural and regional variations exist, so a term that’s considered offensive in one Spanish-speaking region might be perceived differently in another.