2025.09.20 – “Joto,” “Puto,” “Trolo,” Portuguese “Roto,” and Spanish “Usted” vs. Arabic “Ustād”

Key Findings

• “Joto” is reported as a Mexican insult for a homosexual man, with explanations including the Lecumberri prison “J-ward” and the Spanish dance “jota.”
• “Puto” in Mexico is described as an insult with homophobic connotations, while in Portugal it means “child,” and in Brazil it can mean “angry.”
• “Trolo” in Argentina and Uruguay is described as a slur for a homosexual man.
• In Portuguese, “roto” means “torn” and also functions as a vulgar insult for a homosexual man; “joto” is not documented as Portuguese.
• A phonetic similarity is noted: Portuguese initial “r” [ʁ] may sound like “j” to Spanish speakers, so “roto” can sound similar to “joto.”
• The etymology of “joto” as derived from Portuguese “roto” is not documented; the most supported explanation is the Lecumberri origin.
• “Usted” in Spanish is documented as originating from “vuestra merced.” An Arabic connection with “ustād/ustādh” is reported as popular speculation, not an academic hypothesis.
• Morocco in English is “Morocco,” pronounced /məˈrɑːkoʊ/ (US) and /məˈrɒkəʊ/ (UK). The demonym is “Moroccan.”

Confirmed Facts

1. “Joto” is described as a Mexican Spanish insult for a homosexual man. It is also reported that some groups reappropriate it, though it remains offensive in general use. Two reported etymologies are given: one involving the Lecumberri prison “J-ward” origin and another involving the Spanish dance “jota.” These accounts are reported, unverified.
2. “Puto” is described as an insult in Mexican Spanish with homophobic uses and broader derogatory meanings. In Portugal, “puto” is reported as meaning “child.” In Brazilian Portuguese, the phrase “estou puto” is reported as meaning “I am angry.” No evidence is provided here for additional senses.
3. “Trolo” is reported as a slur used in Argentina and Uruguay for a homosexual man, with some mention of community reappropriation. No further documentation is provided.
4. In Portuguese, “roto” is documented as meaning “torn” and also used as a vulgar insult for a homosexual man. It is reported that “joto” is not a Portuguese word. Claims equating “joto” with Portuguese “roto” are reported, unverified.
5. The Portuguese initial “r,” pronounced [ʁ], can be perceived by Spanish speakers as sounding like “j.” This phonetic similarity explains why “roto” ([ʁótu]) can sound similar to “joto.” This is presented as a perceptual explanation, not as an etymology.
6. The theory that Mexican “joto” derives from Portuguese “roto” is reported as possible confusion but remains unverified. The best documented explanation is the Lecumberri prison account.
7. The Spanish pronoun “usted” is documented as originating from “vuestra merced,” with intermediate forms like “vuesa merced” and “vusted.” A supposed Arabic origin from “ustād/ustādh” is not documented in academic etymologies and is characterized as popular speculation.
8. No documented specialist investigation is provided that connects Spanish “usted” with Arabic “ustād/ustādh.” The Arabic-origin hypothesis is not present in academic etymologies and circulates in non-academic spaces such as forums and blogs.
9. Morocco in English is “Morocco.” Pronunciations are /məˈrɑːkoʊ/ in American English and /məˈrɒkəʊ/ in British English. The English demonym for a person from Morocco is “Moroccan,” pronounced /məˈrɑːkən/ in American English and /məˈrɒkən/ in British English.

Sources

• https://pt.glosbe.com/es/pt/joto
• https://www.bomespanhol.com.br/girias/paises/mexico/joto