Rata De Dos Patas Lyrics in English by PAQUITA LA DEL BARRIO
Sabandija literally refers to a small, unpleasant creature like an insect or lizard, and by extension it’s an insult meaning “good-for-nothing vermin.”
It’s a colorful, rarely used word that instantly grabs attention and showcases how Spanish can paint vivid images with just one term. In Paquita’s fiery rant, calling someone maldita sabandija turns a simple farewell song into a dramatic roast—perfect for learners who want to expand beyond basic vocabulary.
If you've ever wanted to tell someone off in the most creative way possible, this is your anthem. Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio doesn't waste time with subtlety here. She unleashes a torrent of incredible insults at a person who has clearly done her wrong, calling them everything from an "Animal rastrero" [crawling animal] to an "Espectro del infierno" [specter from hell].
The whole song is a masterpiece of scorn. She compares this person to the lowest forms of life, like a "Maldita cucaracha" [damned cockroach] and a "Culebra ponzoñosa" [poisonous snake]. The main point comes in the chorus when she calls them a "Rata de dos patas" [Two-legged rat], making it crystal clear she's talking about a human being. She even says that compared to this person, the most evil bug "Se queda muy chiquito" [looks very small]. It's a furious, funny, and fantastically direct song about pure contempt.
