Insults in any language reveal a lot about its culture. Turkish is no exception - some phrases are light-hearted, others pack a punch. Here’s a guide to 12 must-know Turkish insults, their literal translations, and when (or when not) to use them.
1. Salak
Salak
[s̟ɑˈɫ̟ɑk]“Idiot”
You’ll hear this in casual banter, but avoid using it with strangers - it can still offend.
2. Gerzek
Gerzek
/ɡeɾˈzec/“Moron”
3. Aptal
Aptal
/ɑp.tɑɫ/“Stupid”
Often paired with gestures (like tapping the temple) for emphasis.
4. Keko
Keko
/keˈko/“Dork”
5. Hayvan
Hayvan
[hɑjˈvɑn̟]“Animal”
Reserved for extreme situations - like road rage or heated arguments.
6. Şerefsiz
Şerefsiz
/ʃeɾefˈsiz/“Shameless”
7. Kevaşe
Kevaşe
/keˈvaʃe/“Derogatory term for a woman”
Included here as a caution - some insults cross into bigotry.
8. Puşt
Puşt
/puʃt/“Vulgar term for a traitor”
9. Yavşak
Yavşak
[javˈʃak]“Leech”
Fun fact: The word originally referred to a type of bug, hence the connotation.
10. Dangalak
Dangalak
/danɡaˈɫak/“Blockhead”
Popular in comedy sketches and among older generations.
11. Zırva
Zırva
/zɯɾˈva/“Nonsense”
12. Çük
Çük
/ˈtʃyk/“Vulgar term for male anatomy”
Turkish insults range from cheeky to vicious. If you’re learning the language, focus on the milder ones - unless you enjoy getting slapped. For more on Turkish culture, check out our guide on essential phrases for Istanbul or how to immerse yourself in daily Turkish life.
