Top 10 Popular Greek Swear Words

'Malàkas' is the most multifunctional Greek swear word. You call your best friend a 'malàkas' when he walks in, but you also shout it at an idiot on the street.

'Poustis' has its roots in the Turkish 'puşt'. Although it has a heavy homophobic charge, on the street it's often used as a general insult for a scoundrel.

This noun stands for nonsense, annoying behavior or a huge blunder. You shout 'Ti malakìa!' when something is completely ridiculous.

'Ai gamísou' is the Greek way of sending someone to where the sun doesn't shine. It's the standard reaction in Athens rush-hour traffic.

'Gamòto' is Greece's national curse. It became legendary when hurdler Voula Patoulidou shouted it live on television after her gold medal race in 1992.

Literally translated, it means testicles. Greeks use 'archidia' to say that a story is total nonsense.

'Poutàna' is a household word all around the Mediterranean. It seeped into the language via Italian and directly attacks a woman's reputation.

The history of 'kariòlis' is hilarious. It was originally a Venetian loanword for a wheeled bed (often used in brothels or hospitals).

'Skàta' literally means shit and is the Greek filler word for everyday inconvenience. Whether the bus is late or the coffee is cold, this word covers it.

'Vlàkas' means fool or stupid and is socially fairly safe territory. You use it for the friend who knocks over his drink or the tourist blocking the way.