Meaning

1. A mess or problem (slang)

A colloquial and mildly vulgar way to say that there is a problem, conflict, or complicated situation.

2. Flatulence (literal)

A peo is also literally intestinal gas—a [[en/Palabras/Follón|follón]].

How can you tell which meaning applies?

Context does all the work. Eso es un jodío peo means “that is a damn problem.” Me tiré un peo means “I farted.”

Closest English equivalents

  • Sense 1: “a mess” or “a problem.”
  • Sense 2: “a fart.”

Usage

  • Aquí hay un peo. — There is a problem here.
  • Se formó un peo con la reservación. — The reservation became a whole mess.
  • Eso va a ser un peo para resolver. — That is going to be a pain to solve.
  • Me tiré un peo. — I farted.

Variant

  • Qué peo. — What a mess.