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cuerno means cheating partner — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 19, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

cuerno

noun • /[KWEHR-noh]/

cheating partner

Example:

Le pusieron cuernos ayer.

They cheated on him yesterday.

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🧠 What does cuerno mean?

In Mexican slang, "cuerno" (literally meaning "horn") refers to a cheating partner. Specifically, it implies that someone's partner has been unfaithful to them. Imagine the image of a cuckold with horns – that's the visual this word evokes. It's a common and rather informal way to talk about infidelity.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Pobre Juan! Su novia le puso el cuerno.
    Poor Juan! His girlfriend cheated on him (literally: put the horn on him).
  • Me enteré de que me estaban poniendo el cuerno.
    I found out I was being cheated on (literally: that they were putting the horn on me).
  • Dicen que ella le puso los cuernos con su jefe.
    They say she cheated on him with her boss (literally: put the horns on him with her boss).

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cheating partner' in Spanish?
While there are many ways to say this, "cuerno" is a common slang term in Mexico. Other options include "infiel" (unfaithful), "amante" (lover), or describing the act of infidelity directly.
How do you pronounce 'cuerno' in Spanish?
It's pronounced KWEHR-noh, with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'cuerno' in a sentence?
You typically use it with the verb "poner" (to put). For example, "poner el cuerno" (to cheat on someone) or "tener cuernos" (to be cheated on, literally to have horns).
What is the English translation of 'cuerno'?
While it literally means "horn", in slang it means "cheating partner" or refers to the act of being cheated on.
Does 'cuerno' change for gender or number?
It can be pluralized to "cuernos" if the infidelity involved multiple people. The singular form is used more commonly.
Is 'cuerno' common in everyday Spanish?
It's common in informal Mexican Spanish. While understood in other Latin American countries, it might not be as frequently used.
Does 'cuerno' have slang or double meanings?
Its primary slang meaning relates to infidelity. Its literal meaning "horn" is also used, referring to the horn of an animal.
Is 'cuerno' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While understood in Spain, it's much more common in Mexican slang. Other slang terms for infidelity are preferred in Spain.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cuerno"

Synonyms: infiel, amante

💡 Did You Know?

The imagery of "cuernos" (horns) for a cheated-on partner is a long-standing metaphor across various cultures, not just in Mexico.

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