I experienced a bit of a culture shock, once I spoke enough Spanish to converse with people.

I grew up in a reasonably sophisticated family, and certain words are simply not spoken. Spanish people aren't any less sophisticated, its just that their swear words have a different weight. It is perfectly acceptable to use the word 'joder' (fuck) in any situation from a casual conversation to a customer-salesperson talk.

We once were helping the neighbours examine an old computer monitor to find out, if it was still working. It appeared to be broken, so Grandma (85 years) jumped into the discussion waving her walking stick and said 'Is it f**ked?'

As long as I have lived, I have NEVER heard my Grandmother swear.

In Spain though, that word doesn't mean much. It is used so much in everyday language, that its no worse than the word 'dog'.

They also like to call each other 'assholes' (gilipollas). They often say that jokingly to us as well. Although I know its meant in a nice kind of way, it always makes me flinch.

I held my breath in awe, when a woman said to her husband over a game of cards: 'Shut up, son of a bitch!' (Cállate, hijo de puta). He just smiled and we carried on playing...

So listen up all you gilipollas and hijo de puta's, enjoy reading about Spain on our site, after all were friends now :)