Overview

• The Real Academia Española defines “pelotudo” as a coarse, colloquial adjective for someone with limited intelligence or who acts thoughtlessly.
• The entry notes its use in Argentina and Chile as a pejorative for foolish behavior and in Uruguay to describe youth or irresponsibility.
• Since 2011, the academy’s Interactive Dictionary Unit has required documented, widespread usage to vet external term proposals.
• Its addition follows earlier recognition of Argentineisms such as “che,” “pibe,” “bondi,” “laburar” and “jijear.”
• The word’s online debut has prompted debate on social media among users unfamiliar with its colloquial and regional nuances.