tonto
2 synonyms for tonto, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish).
“Stop acting like a tonto and read the instructions.”
2. adj
Foolish, silly, or not thinking clearly.
“That was a pretty tonto move, forgetting the tickets at home.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish tonto, meaning "stupid" or "foolish," and now used mainly as British slang rather than in American English.
Full origin of tonto →Frequently asked questions
What does “tonto” mean?
The word “tonto” means a foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish). In plain terms, a casual, mildly insulting way to call someone or something silly or dim-witted.
How do you use “tonto” in a sentence?
Here is “tonto” used in a sentence: “Stop acting like a tonto and read the instructions.”
What part of speech is “tonto”?
Depending on how it is used, “tonto” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “tonto” come from?
The word “tonto” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish tonto, meaning "stupid" or "foolish," and now used mainly as British slang rather than in American English.
How many meanings does “tonto” have?
“Tonto” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish).
