Taboo word?

[Broken Spanish]

Hi,

I’ve been reading my Teach Yourself Spanish book and came across some information about the words: toma and coge (you take). It said the word coge is considered a taboo word in some Latin American countries, but doesn’t say which ones.

Does anybody know where it is considered a taboo word, and if so why? Is the word considered an offensive swearword, if so what does it mean in that context? Simply so I understand why its best to avoid using it.

please reply in English, my Spainish is only basic at the moment, thanks...

[Perikles]

My dictionary tells me is it vulgar in Mexico, Rio de la Plata and Venezuela, and means to sleep with, or a very obvious equivalent.

[hermit]

In the Caribbean (Antilles) "coger hombres" is a profession...

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by hermit

In the Caribbean (Antilles) "coger hombres" is a profession...

Parts of. In Cuba "coger" means the same as in Spain.

[CrOtALiTo]

Originally Posted by Broken Spanish

Hi,

I’ve been reading my Teach Yourself Spanish book and came across some information about the words: toma and coge (you take). It said the word coge is considered a taboo word in some Latin American countries, but doesn’t say which ones.

Does anybody know where it is considered a taboo word, and if so why? Is the word considered an offensive swearword, if so what does it mean in that context? Simply so I understand why its best to avoid using it.

please reply in English, my Spainish is only basic at the moment, thanks...

As you have said before the word Cojer in Spanish more in Mexico and any places of Latin America are something offensive and rudeness for example here in Mexico cojer means to have sex with someone else, and toma like to take is considering of severals means, for example tomar vino that it could be translated of You drink vine, and to take in Spanish you can use it as to take something, I mean I will take my notebook, Tomare mi cuaderno.

I hope you can understand me.

Regards.

[Villa]

Originally Posted by Broken Spanish

Hi,

I’ve been reading my Teach Yourself Spanish book and came across some information about the words: toma and coge (you take). It said the word coge is considered a taboo word in some Latin American countries, but doesn’t say which ones.

Does anybody know where it is considered a taboo word, and if so why? Is the word considered an offensive swearword, if so what does it mean in that context? Simply so I understand why its best to avoid using it.

please reply in English, my Spainish is only basic at the moment, thanks...

cojer=screw,f*ck

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

@Crotalito & Villa: please watch your spelling. It's "coger", with a "g".

The verb actually means to hold, to take, to seize, to grab, etc. and everyone understands when it's used like that.

Juan cogió las llaves y abrió la puerta.
Juan took the keys and opened the door.

Coge mi mano para que no te caigas.
Hold my hand so you won't fall.

Mexicans prefer alternative verbs ("tomar", "agarrar") but it's always clear what you mean, so no need to get obsessed with the vulgar meaning.

[CrOtALiTo]

Originally Posted by AngelicaDeAlquezar

@Crotalito & Villa: please watch your spelling. It's "coger", with a "g".

The verb actually means to hold, to take, to seize, to grab, etc. and everyone understands when it's used like that.

Juan cogió las llaves y abrió la puerta.
Juan took the keys and opened the door.

Coge mi mano para que no te caigas.
Hold my hand so you won't fall.

Mexicans prefer alternative verbs ("tomar", "agarrar") but it's always clear what you mean, so no need to get obsessed with the vulgar meaning.

Yes you're right with the spelling.
I'm sorry for the mistake.

[ookami]

Coger
Well, it has been explained. Here is VERY common, instead of "to make love", we use it. Of course it's vulgar, but the use has softened that quite a bit. With relatives, friends, partners, etc, we use it. This is worth taking in mind but, to avoid complications, never use it this way. And Angelica is right, it'll be always understood if you use it with the dictionary meaning.

[pjt33]

He oído que si dices en Argentina "Voy a coger el bús" es posible que te contesten "Bueno, supongo que por el tubo de escape podrías..."

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by pjt33

He oído que si dices en Argentina "Voy a coger el bús" es posible que te contesten "Bueno, supongo que por el tubo de escape podrías..."

There is a parallel here with my blunder when talking to two visiting Americans. I said "just a minute, I'm going to lay the table" and I heard one say quietly to the other "boy, I've gotta see this"

[Broken Spanish]

Wow thanks for the replies didn’t expect so many! At least I know its meanings now. I had an idea it might be something to do with sex.

"coger hombres" is a profession...

mmm without finding a dictionary let me guess, to take men, a prostitute?

Here is VERY common, instead of "to make love", we use it. Of course it's vulgar, but the use has softened that quite a bit.

I guess it’s like what we say in England: To have it off with someone, which is very mildly offensive it’s a causal phrase really.

I hope you can understand me.

Yes I understood you, thanks for the examples!

[CrOtALiTo]

You're welcome.

If you would can need something else then please you don't hesitate to ask us.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by pjt33

He oído que si dices en Argentina "Voy a coger el bús" es posible que te contesten "Bueno, supongo que por el tubo de escape podrías..."

Y si dices "te recojo a las 8pm" puede que te contesten "si me redejo"

[ookami]

Originally Posted by chileno

Y si dices "te recojo a las 8pm" puede que te contesten "si me redejo"

That's actually the less you can expect

[hermit]

¡ha!

[Elaina]

Ustedes los hombres se divierten con cualquier cosa.

[Here4good]

Originally Posted by Perikles

There is a parallel here with my blunder when talking to two visiting Americans. I said "just a minute, I'm going to lay the table" and I heard one say quietly to the other "boy, I've gotta see this"

Hahaha!
Love the comment between the two visitors!

[chileno]

Originally Posted by ookami

That's actually the least you can expect