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geri

May 13, 2006, 11:48 AM

Post #1 of 8 (10502 views)

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need a down-to-earth phrase

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How do you tell someone his behavior is rude? The dictionary has words rudo, crudo, descortes, but I'm wondering the most common usuage. Would I use the verb estar? Mexicans probably wouldn't tell anyone this, so I haven't heard it used much, but I have a need to. Crudo is used for drunks. That's not what I'm getting at. I need to tell him that he has done something inappropriate, not outlandish, just rude, verging on low class.

Geri

mparrino

May 13, 2006, 11:50 AM

Post #2 of 8 (10498 views)

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Re: [geri] need a down-to-earth phrase

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I think "rude" is "mal educado"
Marcia

mariejosee

May 13, 2006, 11:55 AM

Post #3 of 8 (10494 views)

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Re: [geri] need a down-to-earth phrase

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I would say "que grosero".

************************************************************
As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.
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Anonimo

May 13, 2006, 11:56 AM

Post #4 of 8 (10495 views)

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Re: [geri] need a down-to-earth phrase

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¿Puede decir "naco"?

Saludos,
Anonimo

doogie

May 13, 2006, 1:41 PM

Post #5 of 8 (10484 views)

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Re: [geri] need a down-to-earth phrase

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You say "not outlandish, just rude", I agree with "Mal educado". "Grosero" is a little stronger.
Doogie,
Tapatío de corazón

Georgia

May 13, 2006, 2:43 PM

Post #6 of 8 (10478 views)

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Re: [geri] need a down-to-earth phrase

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Telling someone this can be touchy. I would preface it by saying in Spanish that in your culture such and such behavior is considered a bit rude. Soften it: Tengo que decirle que en my pais esto se considera un poco mal educado. Me hace sentir incomoda. Something like that.

geri

May 13, 2006, 2:48 PM

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Re: [Georgia] need a down-to-earth phrase

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Thanks all...good suggestions. I, too, think grosero is a bit strong. My cleaning lady's son snuck into my office and used my computer. I don't let anyone use my computer...that's my selfish streak! He knows it was wrong, because he was sneaky about it. He is almost a college graduate so mal educado fits, with Georgia's softening.

quevedo

May 13, 2006, 4:01 PM

Post #8 of 8 (10463 views)

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Re: [geri] Grosero

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But, ¡Ay, qué grosero!, said with the proper intonation and perhaps a good-will half smile will do the deed.

Saludos,

Quevedo