Many people, Hispanic or otherwise, recognize that “pendejo” means “dumbass,” so it may be hard to imagine that certain contexts for this word are worse than others, though there are times when using the word “pendejo” is particularly offensive. This word is considered offensive almost always. It should not be used in a professional or formal setting, like a wedding, a funeral, or a baby shower. However, it can be used sarcastically in personal, more intimate contexts. You can use it jokingly as casual banter with friends. Generally speaking, words are just that– words. But sometimes, the word pendejo can be really offensive. Here are some of the times when saying the word “pendejo” is offensive.
1. A Work Meeting
During work meetings, it is extremely important to observe the rules of your company’s culture. A company’s culture may value innovation or diversity. It may value decorum and respect. In more conservative company cultures, you are probably better off using words that are not “pendejo.” Words like “an apple,” “conflate,” or “blockchain” are all appropriate words to say in a meeting. In a meeting for work, if you have a disagreement with someone, then you may not want to swear at them and call them an idiot. You may want to handle that disagreement in a more productive way. By using the word “pendejo,” you would explicitly be abandoning great ways to communicate with your peers, colleagues, or superiors. Work meetings are usually fairly solemn activities during which you and your colleagues ought to be productive and calm. It is not possible to be productive and calm when you are offending people with the word “pendejo.” A work meeting is definitely not the place to yell this intriguing word.
2. A Religious Service
Another event at which it may be inappropriate to call someone a “pendejo” is a religious service. Religious services are typically very serious, and they are not events at which any expletive is welcome. Religious services require the undivided attention of congregants, and engaging in banter is not going to elevate the seriousness of the occasion. Believing in God may very well mean abandoning the word “pendejo,” at least in the most solemn of contexts. You basically never want to say the word “pendejo,” but it is honestly worse if you say that word at a religious service, no matter the denomination. Whether you are attending a Catholic, Jewish, or Islamic event, be sure to avoid using the word “pendejo” if you can help it.
3. A Wedding
It is especially important for you to abstain from calling the bride or groom a pendejo. To do so would be very offensive, as this day is their special day. You may call the groom a pendejo during the days leading up to the wedding or in the next few weeks after a wedding, but do not say the word “pendejo” during the service or the reception. At a wedding, it may be prudent to stick to other phrases like “Congratulations” or “I am happy for you.” As fun as some weddings can be, it is still an occasion that is formal enough for you to abandon the word “pendejo.” There are many contexts in which this word is inappropriate, but saying it at a wedding is a big mistake.
4. A Kindergarten Class
As kindergarteners are very impressionable, bad words should not be used around them. Before you know it, the children will be saying the word “pendejo” with no regard for context. They will do it at the most inappropriate times, so be sure to refrain from saying the word “pendejo” in front of any toddler or child. Kindergarteners might also be upset to hear such an offensive word; it might upset them. You should also withhold the word “pendejo” to protect their sensitive emotions.
5. A Hospice
As a hospice is a place for dying people who seek palliative care, it may not be the best place to use the word “pendejo.” Death is as sensitive a life stage as it is a subject. Elderly people may be experiencing fear of death, and they may require a solemn attitude to feel better. A hospice simply is not a good place for someone to use the word “pendejo.” To use this word in such a context may be greatly offensive to dying people as well as their families.
6. A Court Hearing
If you are attending a court hearing, chances are that you are not on the chopping block. You are probably just a juror, but if you are about to go to prison, it may be prudent to avoid using the word “pendejo,” especially as you regard the judge or your lawyer, who is your only bastion against the judge’s judgment. This might be the worst context.
