verga

Memecrunch

The Spanish verga comes from the Latin virga, meaning “rod” or “staff.” Before the word even evolved into Spanish, Latin authors as early as the sixth century were using virga as a euphemism for penis. Rod, penis … because it’s just so easy.

Early instances of the word verga in the written Spanish language go back to the 16th century. As in Latin, it was used for its literal meaning “rod” or “staff” but also “penis.”

Todo Memes

By the 18th century, verga was being used in Spanish for the “crossbeam” of masts on a ship (or the yard in boat lingo). It was the Age of Exploration, after all. This brought Spanish to the Americas, where verga entered its next chapter.

"Go to the dick" doesn't have the same effect as "vete a la verga" so no, gracias :)

— güera 🇲🇽 (@mariiaangelica_) October 20, 2018

By the 19th century, verga had become a general vulgar word in much of the Spanish-speaking world. Like many profanities—think of good ol’ versatile fuck—it didn’t just mean “penis” or “rod.” It was being used as shit, fuck, or hell in some contexts. Why not?

There are many popular Spanish-language expressions that use verga. Me vale verga, literally “it’s worth a penis to me,” means basically “I don’t care.” Vete a la verga, another choice phrase, is “fuck you” or “go to hell.” There’s also a la verga, used to convey excitement or shock, like Holy shit!