Adjective
/bɑˈβoso/
The word baboso is mainly used in a colloquial sense across various Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Central America. The term can refer to someone who is perceived as foolish or silly, often in a light-hearted manner. It can also describe a person who is excessively naive or gullible. In some contexts, it may imply that someone is acting in a clumsy or socially inept manner. It tends to be more frequently used in oral speech as a casual expression rather than in formal writing.
You are silly for believing that story.
No seas baboso, eso no tiene sentido.
Don't be foolish, that doesn't make sense.
Él siempre hace cosas babosas cuando está nervioso.
While baboso might not be as common in idiomatic expressions, variations and regional uses do exist. Here are a few phrases and sentences:
Don't act foolishly in the meeting, please.
Estar en baboso.
I was lost trying to understand the explanation.
No seas baboso y presta atención.
The term baboso comes from the Latin word babosus, which means "drooling" or "slobbering." The association with drooling evolved, and it took on a more abstract meaning pertaining to a person considered foolish or naive, likely drawing on the imagery of someone incapable of controlling their mouth.