In Russian slang or Soviet-era speech, calling someone “Петлюра” could mean one of the following, depending on tone and context: “Ukrainian nationalist” - used pejoratively by Soviet or pro-Russian speakers, meaning someone anti-Russian, pro-Ukrainian, or “banderovets-type” (similar to calling someone “Banderite”).
“Traitor / enemy” - especially used in Soviet propaganda to label Petlyura as a “traitor of the working people” or “enemy of the USSR.” Sometimes just a mocking nickname for Ukrainians in general, especially in derogatory or racist speech (similar to saying “those Petlyuras” to mean “those Ukrainians”).
So, it’s not a curse word in itself (no obscenity), but it can definitely be used as an insult implying “Ukrainian nationalist, anti-Russian, fascist,” etc.
“Traitor / enemy” - especially used in Soviet propaganda to label Petlyura as a “traitor of the working people” or “enemy of the USSR.” Sometimes just a mocking nickname for Ukrainians in general, especially in derogatory or racist speech (similar to saying “those Petlyuras” to mean “those Ukrainians”).
So, it’s not a curse word in itself (no obscenity), but it can definitely be used as an insult implying “Ukrainian nationalist, anti-Russian, fascist,” etc.
by IonatanA October 30, 2025
Get the Petlyuramug.