Bedeutung
To be unfaithful in a relationship.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, the 'horns' gesture is often seen at soccer matches. If a fan makes the gesture at a referee, they are implying the referee's wife is unfaithful, which is a grave insult to his 'manhood' and authority. The term 'cachos' is much more common than 'cuernos.' There is even a famous song called 'El Santo Cachón' which humorously deals with the theme of being a 'cornudo' (cuckold). While 'poner los cuernos' is used, Mexicans also use 'poner el cuerno' (singular). It is a staple of 'telenovelas' and ranchera music, often linked to themes of betrayal and revenge. Chileans frequently use 'poner el gorro' (to put the hat on). It carries the exact same meaning as 'poner los cuernos' but is the preferred local idiom.
Careful with the gesture
Making the 'horns' gesture with your hand while talking about this can be very offensive or aggressive in Spain and Italy.
Use the pronouns
Always remember the 'le' or 'me'. Saying 'Él puso los cuernos' sounds like he was decorating a bull. 'Él LE puso los cuernos' means he cheated.
Bedeutung
To be unfaithful in a relationship.
Careful with the gesture
Making the 'horns' gesture with your hand while talking about this can be very offensive or aggressive in Spain and Italy.
Use the pronouns
Always remember the 'le' or 'me'. Saying 'Él puso los cuernos' sounds like he was decorating a bull. 'Él LE puso los cuernos' means he cheated.
Regional variations
If you are in Colombia, use 'cachos'. If you are in Spain, use 'cuernos'. You'll sound much more like a local!
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct pronoun and the verb 'poner' in the present tense.
Yo sé que él ___ _______ los cuernos a su novia.
We use 'le' because we are talking about 'his girlfriend' (third person).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'She cheated on me'?
Choose the correct option:
The pronoun 'me' goes before the conjugated verb, and 'los' is required.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You are reading a gossip magazine about a famous actor.
This is the standard way to report a celebrity cheating scandal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué llora Marta? B: Porque su novio ___ ____ los cuernos.
The present perfect 'ha puesto' with the pronoun 'le' is perfect for explaining a recent event.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenYo sé que él ___ _______ los cuernos a su novia.
We use 'le' because we are talking about 'his girlfriend' (third person).
Choose the correct option:
The pronoun 'me' goes before the conjugated verb, and 'los' is required.
Context: You are reading a gossip magazine about a famous actor.
This is the standard way to report a celebrity cheating scandal.
A: ¿Por qué llora Marta? B: Porque su novio ___ ____ los cuernos.
The present perfect 'ha puesto' with the pronoun 'le' is perfect for explaining a recent event.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenIt's informal and blunt, but not a 'curse word.' However, calling someone 'un cornudo' (a cuckold) is a very strong insult.
You can use it for any romantic relationship, from a casual dating couple to a marriage of 50 years.
'Ser infiel' is formal and clinical. 'Poner los cuernos' is the colorful, idiomatic version used in daily life.
You can say 'Me pusieron los cuernos' (They put the horns on me).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ser un cornudo
specialized formTo be a cuckold (the victim).
Engañar a alguien
synonymTo deceive/cheat on someone.
Ser infiel
synonymTo be unfaithful.
Poner los cachos
similarTo cheat (Latin American variation).
Poner el gorro
similarTo cheat (Chilean variation).
