Meaning
Very informal expression of something being excellent or amazing.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is part of the 'habla coloquial' and is used by people of all ages (except perhaps the very elderly) in casual settings. It is not seen as a sign of low education, but rather of social closeness. In Mexico, 'de puta madre' is understood but 'a toda madre' is much more common. Be careful, as 'puta' is a stronger word in Mexico than in Spain. Argentines might use 'de puta madre' occasionally, but they prefer 'buenísimo' or 'de diez'. They also use 'la puta madre' (with 'la') as an expression of anger or frustration, which is the opposite of the Spanish positive use. In Colombia, the phrase is considered quite vulgar. People would much rather use 'una chimba' (slang) or 'chévere' to express that something is great.
The 'La' Trap
Adding 'la' changes the meaning from 'awesome' to 'dammit'. Keep it 'de' for positive vibes.
Spain vs. The World
This is a very 'Spain' expression. Use it in Madrid and you're a local; use it in Bogotá and you might get some dirty looks.
Meaning
Very informal expression of something being excellent or amazing.
The 'La' Trap
Adding 'la' changes the meaning from 'awesome' to 'dammit'. Keep it 'de' for positive vibes.
Spain vs. The World
This is a very 'Spain' expression. Use it in Madrid and you're a local; use it in Bogotá and you might get some dirty looks.
The 'PM' Shortcut
When texting, just write 'de pm'. Everyone will know what you mean and it looks more 'native'.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate response to the following news: '¡He ganado la lotería!'
¡He ganado la lotería!
As an interjection, '¡De puta madre!' is the standard way to react with high enthusiasm.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
La nueva canción de Rosalía es ____.
The phrase is fixed: 'de puta madre'.
In which of these situations is it OK to use 'de puta madre'?
Select the appropriate context:
It is a very informal slang term suitable only for friends and casual peers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Cómo te va en tu nuevo piso? B: ____, tiene mucha luz y está cerca del centro.
B is describing how they are doing/living, so 'De puta madre' is the correct adverbial usage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
De Puta Madre vs. La Puta Madre
Practice Bank
4 exercises¡He ganado la lotería!
As an interjection, '¡De puta madre!' is the standard way to react with high enthusiasm.
La nueva canción de Rosalía es ____.
The phrase is fixed: 'de puta madre'.
Select the appropriate context:
It is a very informal slang term suitable only for friends and casual peers.
A: ¿Cómo te va en tu nuevo piso? B: ____, tiene mucha luz y está cerca del centro.
B is describing how they are doing/living, so 'De puta madre' is the correct adverbial usage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Spain, yes, in casual settings. Spanish culture is much more permissive with 'tacos' (swear words) than English culture. It's seen as expressive rather than offensive.
Yes! 'Es un tío de puta madre' means he is a fantastic guy. It's a very high compliment.
You can say 'de maravilla', 'de lujo', or 'genial' if you want to avoid the profanity.
No, the phrase is invariable. 'Ella es de puta madre' is correct.
Spanish idioms are obsessed with the mother figure. 'De madre' or 'la madre de...' are common structures for intensity.
Only if you are having drinks with colleagues you've known for years. Never in a meeting or with a client.
Extremely. Any movie set in modern Spain (like those by Almodóvar or Álex de la Iglesia) will use it frequently.
Only if your teacher is very young and you are in a very informal conversation outside of class. Generally, no.
They mean the same thing, but 'cojonudo' is an adjective, while 'de puta madre' is a phrase. Both are very informal.
Less often than in Spanish songs. Latin artists might use 'a toda madre' or 'cabrón' (in Mexico) to express similar intensity.
Related Phrases
a toda madre
similarExcellent (Mexican version)
cojonudo
synonymGreat, fantastic
pasarlas putas
contrastTo have a very hard time
de miedo
similarScary good / amazing
