Lithuanian, like any language, has its share of colourful insults, ranging from playful teasing to harsh curses. While not all are appropriate for polite conversation, understanding them provides insight into colloquial speech and cultural attitudes. This guide covers 12 common Lithuanian insults, their literal translations, and nuances in usage.
1. Kvailys
Kvailys
/ˈkʋɐɪ̯lʲiːs/“Idiot”
A mild insult meaning 'idiot' or 'fool,' often used in frustration or light-hearted teasing. Comparable to calling someone 'silly' in English.
2. Asilas
Asilas
/ɐˈsʲɪɫɐs/“Donkey”
Literally 'donkey,' but used to imply stubbornness or foolishness. Less harsh than 'kvailys' and sometimes used affectionately among friends.
3. Niekšas
Niekšas
/ˈnʲɪæːkʃas/“Scoundrel”
A stronger term for someone deceitful or morally corrupt, akin to 'scoundrel' or 'villain.' Rarely used lightly.
4. Tuščia galva
Tuščia galva
/ˈtʊʃtʃʲɐ ɡɐɫˈʋɐ/“Empty head”
Literally 'empty head,' implying someone is thoughtless or unintelligent. Often used in exasperation.
5. Šiukšlė
Šiukšlė
/ˈʃʲʊkʃlʲeː/“Trash”
Means 'trash' or 'garbage,' used to describe someone considered worthless or contemptible. Highly offensive.
6. Debilas
Debilas
/dʲɛˈbʲɪɫɐs/“Moron”
A direct borrowing from Russian, meaning 'moron' or 'idiot.' Considered crude but not the strongest insult.
7. Kvailioji avis
Kvailioji avis
/kʋɐɪ̯ˈlʲoːjɪ ɐˈʋɪs/“Stupid sheep”
Literally 'stupid sheep,' used to mock someone for blindly following others or lacking independent thought.
8. Šūdo gabalas
Šūdo gabalas
/ˈʃuːdoː ɡɐˈbɐɫɐs/“Piece of shit”
A vulgar term meaning 'piece of shit,' reserved for extreme disdain. Avoid in polite company.
9. Nesąmonė
Nesąmonė
[nʲɛˈs̪ä̂ːmoːnʲeː]“Nonsense”
Means 'nonsense,' but can be directed at a person to imply they’re talking rubbish. Mild compared to others on this list.
10. Piktžolė
Piktžolė
/pʲɪktˈʒoːlʲeː/“Weed”
Literally 'weed,' used metaphorically to call someone a nuisance or troublemaker.
11. Šlykštus
Šlykštus
/ˈʃlʲiːkʃtʊs/“Disgusting”
Means 'disgusting,' but can be applied to people to express strong disapproval of their behaviour.
12. Velnias
Velnias
/ˈʋʲɛlnʲɐs/“Devil”
Literally 'devil,' used to curse someone as wicked or troublesome. Also appears in exclamations like 'Velnias griebtų!' ('Damn it!').
While this guide provides translations, context matters. Many insults can escalate in severity depending on tone and relationship. For more on Lithuanian language nuances, see our guide on Lithuanian pronunciation or family terms.
