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burro means dummy — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 18, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

burro

noun • /[BOO-rroh]/

dummy

Example:

¡No seas burro!

Don’t be a dummy!

🧠 What does burro mean?

In Mexican slang, 'burro' refers to a person who is not very intelligent or who acts foolishly. It is a derogatory term used to describe someone perceived as slow-witted or unthinking, similar to the English word 'dummy' or 'idiot'. This usage deviates from the literal meaning of 'burro' as a donkey, though the association with stubbornness or lack of understanding can be a common thread.

📚 Extra examples

  • No seas burro, piensa antes de hablar.
    Don't be a dummy, think before you speak.
  • Me siento un burro cada vez que no entiendo algo.
    I feel like a dummy every time I don't understand something.
  • Le dijeron que era un burro por no saberse la lección.
    They called him a dummy for not knowing the lesson.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'burro' literally means 'donkey', its slang usage for an unintelligent person is particularly common in Mexico. This figurative extension likely draws on the animal's perceived stubbornness or slow nature.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "burro"

Synonyms: tonto, idiota, imbécil, menso
Opposites: inteligente, listo, sabio

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'dummy' in Spanish?
In Mexican slang, 'burro' can be used to mean 'dummy'.
How do you pronounce 'burro' in Spanish?
'Burro' is pronounced 'BOO-rroh'. The 'rr' sound is a rolled 'r', which is a distinct sound in Spanish.
How do you use 'burro' in a sentence?
It is used to describe someone's perceived lack of intelligence. For example, 'No seas burro' (Don't be a dummy).
What is the English translation of 'burro'?
The literal translation of 'burro' is 'donkey'. However, in Mexican slang, it translates to 'dummy' or 'idiot'.
Does 'burro' change for gender or number?
Yes, as a noun referring to a person, 'burro' can change for gender and number. The masculine singular is 'burro', the feminine singular is 'burra', the masculine plural is 'burros', and the feminine plural is 'burras'.
Is 'burro' common in everyday Spanish?
The literal meaning of 'burro' (donkey) is common. However, its use as slang for 'dummy' is more prevalent in Mexico and certain other Latin American countries, and might be considered informal or even offensive.
Does 'burro' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, in Mexico, 'burro' is slang for a person who is unintelligent or acts foolishly. This is distinct from its literal meaning of 'donkey'.
Is 'burro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'burro' primarily means 'donkey'. While it can be used informally to mean someone stubborn or slow, the strong connotation of 'dummy' is more characteristic of Mexican and some other Latin American slang.

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