noun
tonto
Tonto (noun) means a foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish). Example: “Stop acting like a tonto and read the instructions.”
noun
1
A foolish or stupid person (informal, especially British slang, borrowed from Spanish).
"Stop acting like a tonto and read the instructions."
adj
1
Foolish, silly, or not thinking clearly.
"That was a pretty tonto move, forgetting the tickets at home."
How to use tonto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual, mildly insulting way to call someone or something silly or dim-witted.
When to use it
Informal and can be seen as mocking; best kept to joking contexts between people who know each other well.
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Word forms
- Plural
- tontos
- Comparative
- more tonto
- Superlative
- most tonto
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stop acting like a _____ and read the instructions.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish tonto, meaning "stupid" or "foolish," and now used mainly as British slang rather than in American English.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tonto
See all rhymes for 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).
