What the heck? Or, do I mean, what fart — ¿qué pedo?
“Pedo” is one word in Spanish that showcases the complexity of Mexican vocabulary. While originally associated with flatulence, in Mexico, this versatile term has taken on a variety of meanings, making it a linguistic curiosity worth exploring.
“Pedo” in Mexico is a linguistic chameleon, adapting easily to various contexts, so let’s dive into its usage in different situations.
Difficulty or problem
In Mexico, “pedo” is often used colloquially to refer to a difficulty or problem. For example, someone might say, “es un pedo” when they want to express that something is a real problem or a rather difficult task to complete. You’ll also hear “me metí en un pedo,” which translates as “I’m in trouble.”
Fight or conflict
“Pedo” can also signify a conflict or fight. If someone mentions being in a “pedo,” they might be describing a heated argument or altercation. For instance, “anoche, hubo un pedo en el bar” — It went down at the bar last night.
“Hacerla de pedo,” on the other hand, means making a stink or giving someone a hard time — “se pasó un rojo y el poli se la hizo de pedo” (he ran a red and the cop gave him a hard time about it).
Describing someone or something
Another common usage of “pedo” in Mexico is to describe being drunk or intoxicated. Saying “estaba bien pedo anoche” — I was really drunk last night — or “estoy medio peda” — I’m a bit tipsy — is a casual way to convey the state you’re in. On the other hand, the word “peda,” is used to describe a party or a night out with heavy drinking, which comes from this sense of pedo “estuvo buena la peda” (the party was great/last night was great).
You can call someone “mal pedo” to show that they’re a mean person, while a situation described with the same term is a bad one. Lost your keys? “Qué mal pedo!” Conversely, a good-natured person or a fortunate situation can be described as “buen pedo.” In English you can say an exceptionally good movie or meal was “something else” — in Mexican Spanish, it’s “otro pedo.”
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Possibilities
If someone says, “ni pedo” they’re expressing resignation in regards to a situation, in the same way an English speaker sighs “oh well.” But when adding the preposition “de,” the meaning changes to “there’s no way!” — ¡ni de pedo! — hinting that the speaker wouldn’t do what they’re being asked even if they were drunk.
Greetings and expressions of surprise
In some cases, “pedo” is used as an expression of surprise or disbelief. For example, upon hearing unexpected news, someone might exclaim, “no mames, en serio? ¡Qué pedo!” (No way, seriously? What a surprise!), or “qué pedo, qué pasó?” (What is going on?). In addition, it is a very common way to greet your friends just by saying “Qué pedo!”
Understanding the various uses of the word “pedo” will add depth to your comprehension of Mexican Spanish. It’s essential to consider the context in which the term is used to grasp its intended meaning fully, and you should always keep in mind that it is an informal word. Don’t use it with your parents, your in-laws, your teachers or any person to whom you would normally speak in a formal way. Save it for your very close friends.
Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez
Great article….Chale no Mames……BRAVA from Mexico City!
Great content.
Is the expression ‘pedo’ a classy one to use or it is a classless modern colloquiallism?
In the old times, ‘pedo’ was referreded in a not sophisticated way,
to express gas expelled by a person (sometimes after eating or eating some food that causes gas in a person.
Interesting article, but please be aware that the use of the word “pedo” in any context is not considered appropriate in educated language.
Most Mexicans I know would get a kick out of hearing ex-pats using the word ‘pedo’
Its a fun word!
Es verdad!
Sooo… 48 years ago when I was first learning how to speak Spanish I was with a group of Mexicans playing poker after work. One guy was deliberating whether to fold or bet and I blurted out “es tu pedo”! No sooner spoken when he jumped up and started socking me…. My soon to be brothers in law quickly pulled him off of me and asked him why he attacked me! His reply: “he called me estupido”!
Be careful out there!
🤣🤣🤣
Obviously it was you who used the word ‘pedo’ in the wrong context
Pedo, does not mean stupid in any sense of the word
Estupido…. Es tu pedo…
Say ‘es tu pedo’ fast and you can see the resemblance 😉 😄
I think the writer meant that they guy thought he said “estúpido” Accent on the wrong syllable, but pretty close to “es tu pedo”
Bingo! 😉
Banking. Has anyone noticed how on the first of each month, the exchange rate declines causing less pesos in exchange for dollars? The Mexican families receive less than they would during other times of the month.
I have noticed this since January 2023. Seems like a little bit of greed on the part of Mexican banks. How sad.
Interesting piece, but I think “pedo” is a word better left out the vocabulary of all but native or completely fluent Spanish speakers who know exactly when and how to use it.
Yes, great article and highlights the intricacies of the language
And yes you may ‘ruffle some feathers’ using pedo improperly
Great article. Be aware that his is a colloquial term. The word “pedo” as described in this article should never be used in formal situations, unless your intention is to attract attention!
Exactly. It’s really vulgar Mexican Spanish. You have to really know who to use it with, and around what kind of people. A lot of Mexican young women now feel it´s cool to use these type of words whenever and wherever. It’s a sad debasement of Mexico’s culture.
These are vulgar expressions to be used only around people you really trust, if at all. There is another use of the word and that is the expression “no es mi pedo” (not my problem). This expression is also one of the five Mexican mantras of spiritual enlightenment that are listed in the book “Me vale madres” by Prem Dayal, meaning the mantra of detachment.
This seems to be very similar to the multitude of ways we use the word “sh*t” in English. Keep in mind that the circumstances and company for its use are also about the same!
I have asked my friends here in the state of Chihuahua, and they report using “pedo” often in their casual conversations, but they do not use it with Gringos such as myself. So a few months ago, I began to use it, to their merriment! How the people actually speak is what I wish to learn.