When you are looking for what is a mojón in Puerto Rican Spanish, the most common meaning is a ‘turd’. This may be an insult to someone, the actual, physical turd (from poopoing) or even may refer to a beach in Guánica, Puerto Rico.
This is one of those Spanish words that changed meaning over time. Mojón was once a word that originally meant a little street name marker (if you hike, think cairn), it later went into general use to refer to a turd and then became a synonym for ‘a shit’, especially referring to a person, in Puerto Rican slang.
“Mojón” is accented on the second O so there is an emphasis on the second syllable – “moe-HON”.
If you hear the word ‘mojón’ – it’s most likely an insult. Now, there are numerous reasons as to why someone may say something rude to another person. In most cases, it is because the person is feeling upset, frustrated or overwhelmed, and they may not have a healthy way of expressing their emotions.
This is why you need to know the word ‘mojón’ while in Latin America, especially Puerto Rico.
Mojón As An Insult
Puerto Ricans are known for their warm and welcoming attitude. They are quick to make friends and are always willing to lend a helping hand. This friendly nature makes it easy for visitors to feel at home on the island and enjoy all that Puerto Rico has to offer.
Puerto Ricans are also fiercely proud of their culture and heritage. With a rich history shaped by indigenous Taínos, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves, Puerto Ricans have a unique identity that they hold dear. This pride is evident in their music, food, language, and traditions. From salsa dancing to arroz con gandules, Puerto Ricans celebrate their culture with passion and intensity. This sense of identity and pride often translates into a fierce attitude towards anyone who disrespects or undermines their heritage.
So, they welcome you in, you’re deeply disrespectful and then someone is saying:
“Es un mojón.”
“He’s a piece of shit.”
In other areas of Latin America, you may also hear something along the lines of: ‘pedazo de mierda’ which loosly translates to ‘piece of shit’.
¿A qué estás esperando, pedazo de mierda?
What are you waiting for, you piece of shit?
Mojón: Is It OK To Say To Kids?
In American English, you may jokingly call a child a turd, while it’s not too offensive, you probably shouldn’t call a kid ‘mojon’ in Puerto Rico. The word ‘mojón’ is usually more heavily loaded because of the context.
You’d say, “He cheated on his fiancee with the maid of honor, then stole her dog. He’s a piece of shit.”
“Engañó a su prometida con la dama de honor y luego le robó el perro. Es un mojón.”
In American English, the scatological swearing scale (I just made that up) is based on what is universally acceptable to say in front of kids and what is not. Most parents agree on fart, poop and turd being “potty words” – then shit being the worst scat related swear word that would probably get a kid in trouble if they repeated it at school. For example, some US/UK adults may jokingly say, “Stop being a turd to your brother.”
Interestingly, the verb mojonear in Puerto Rican Spanish just means to screw around, waste time, fart around and is not an insult or even a bad word.
Mojón Beach In Puerto Rico
One other turd tip, Playa El Mojón Tranquilo in Guánica. You might be thinking, ‘mojon’ beach? Hard pass. Don’t stress, this is not shit beach. Remember, the word ‘mojón’ originally meant ‘marker’ as in geography. Playa El Mojón Tranquilo (Tranquil Cairn Beach) is situated nearby to the peak Monte de la Brea and the nature reserve Bosque Estatal de Guánica.
