18 Foreign Words That Sound Rude in English
Updated: Dec. 09, 2022
You may not want to use these words in polite company until you know what they mean.
Assapanick
Colonial leader Captain John Smith used this word in his journal in 1606. Native American tribes in Virginia used the term to describe a flying squirrel.
Aktashite
Named for a village in Russia, aktashite is a term for a rare mineral composed of arsenic, copper, and mercury. Don’t miss these 15 words that used to mean completely different things.
Bastinado
A Spanish word for thrashing or caning the feet, which dates back to the sixteenth century.
Clatterfart
A Tudor dictionary from 1552 defines this word as someone who is a gossip or a blabbermouth. Find out 70 words and phrases you’re probably using wrong.
Dik-Dik
This is the word for a small antelope from Africa that’s known for its elongated snout.
Poonga
The name for an oil that comes from an Indian beech tree and is used to treat skin ailments. Don’t miss these 22 words and phrases that originated in the military.
Pissala
A French term that originated in Nice that translates as “salted fish.” It’s a condiment made from pureed anchovies, olive oil, garlic, peppers, and herbs.
Prick
This Dutch term means a dot or a spot. Find out 12 surprisingly offensive words you need to stop using.
Shittah
This Hebrew term comes from Northeast Africa and the Middle East, where it refers to a type of acacia tree.
Womit
In German, this term isn’t about getting sick, it’s used by pontificators. The word means “whereby.”
