Meaning
To be deceived, exploited, or treated like an idiot. It also describes someone trying to make a fool of you.
Closest English equivalents
“To get played,” “to be taken for a fool,” or “to treat someone like an idiot.”
Usage
- Me cogió de pendejo con ese negocio. — They played me in that deal.
- A mí nadie me coge de pendejo. — Nobody makes a fool of me.
- No te dejes coger de pendejo. — Do not let them take you for a fool.
Variants
- Coger de pendejo/a.
- Dejarse coger de pendejo.
- No me cojas de pendejo.
Origin and nuance
The phrase combines coger (“to take” or “grab” in Puerto Rico) with pendejo (“fool” or “idiot”). It imagines someone handling you as though you were stupid.
Related expressions include tomarle el pelo (to pull someone’s leg), hacerle un mamey (to trick someone), and raquetear (to scam someone).