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ñoño means nerdy / dull — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 18, 2025

😆 Funny Words

ñoño

adjective • /[NYO-nyoh]/

nerdy / dull

Example:

¡Qué ñoño eres con tus reglas!

You're so nerdy with your rules!

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🧠 What does ñoño mean?

Ñoño is a Spanish adjective used to describe someone who is nerdy, geeky, or overly studious. It can also mean dull, boring, or lacking in social skills. While sometimes used affectionately, it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of coolness or worldliness. Think of that person who's always got their nose in a book or is obsessed with a particular hobby to the exclusion of all else. That's the essence of ñoño.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi hermano es un poco ñoño; siempre está jugando videojuegos.
    My brother is a bit nerdy; he's always playing video games.
  • Esa película era tan ñoña que me quedé dormido.
    That movie was so dull that I fell asleep.
  • No seas tan ñoño, ¡diviértete un poco!
    Don't be such a nerd, have some fun!
  • Aunque es ñoña, María es muy inteligente.
    Although she's nerdy, Maria is very intelligent.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nerdy / dull' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'nerdy' or 'dull' is often 'ñoño'.
How do you pronounce 'ñoño' in Spanish?
The 'ñ' makes a 'ny' sound, like in the word 'canyon'. So, it's pronounced 'NYO-nyo'. The stress is on the first syllable.
How do you use 'ñoño' in a sentence?
You can use 'ñoño' just like any other adjective: 'Es un chico ñoño' (He's a nerdy boy) or 'Esa fiesta fue muy ñoña' (That party was very dull).
What is the English translation of 'ñoño'?
'Ñoño' translates to 'nerdy', 'geeky', 'dorky', 'dull', or 'boring' in English.
Does 'ñoño' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'ñoño' changes to agree with the noun it describes. For a feminine noun, use 'ñoña', and for plural nouns, use 'ñoños' (masculine) or 'ñoñas' (feminine).
Is 'ñoño' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'ñoño' is a fairly common word in everyday Spanish, especially among younger generations.
Does 'ñoño' have slang or double meanings?
While 'ñoño' itself doesn't have many double meanings, the way it's used can convey different levels of affection or teasing depending on the context.
Is 'ñoño' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning of 'ñoño' is generally consistent across Spain and Latin America. However, there might be slight regional variations in how frequently it's used.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñoño"

Synonyms: empollón, soso, aburrido, fome
Opposites: interesante, divertido, guay, chévere

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ñoño' might come from the word 'niño' (child), suggesting a certain immaturity or naiveté often associated with being nerdy.

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