пидорас

пидорас is a highly offensive Russian slur for a gay man. Its closest English equivalent is faggot; depending on context, it can also be translated as the derogatory use of queer. It is vulgar and hostile, so avoid using it except when quoting, discussing language, or accurately translating abusive speech.

It is a colloquial, altered form of педераст, originally borrowed through terms connected with “pederasty.” In contemporary Russian, it is generally used as an anti-gay insult, though some speakers also direct it at someone they dislike regardless of sexual orientation. That broader use does not make it non-offensive.

Related Russian insults include педик and гомик, which are also derogatory. A neutral term is гей (“gay man”).

Examples:

1. Он назвал незнакомца пидорасом, и его сразу выгнали из бара.
   He called a stranger a faggot, and he was immediately thrown out of the bar.
2. Не называй людей пидорасами — это оскорбительно.
   Do not call people faggots—it is offensive.
3. В фильме злодей кричит «пидорас» во время ссоры.
   In the film, the villain shouts “faggot” during an argument.
4. Учитель объяснил, почему слово «пидорас» нельзя использовать как шутку.
   The teacher explained why the word “faggot” should not be used as a joke.
5. После того как он сказал «пидорас», разговор превратился в конфликт.
   After he said “faggot,” the conversation turned into a conflict.