It is unfortunate that most people do not search for original sources. All you have to do is check with the final authority on the Spanish Language, the Royal Academy and you will get this word as originally meaning the male reproductive member or penis. It may have been later applied by sailors to describe the top mast lookout point in reference to an undesirable place to be in or thing to have but more than likely initiating with the negative connotation which applies when referring to said member in undesirable situations.
In most Spanish speaking countries the original connotation has been lost and that of "Go to hell is" the most appropriate translation for "vete para el carajo"
by Sr. correcto January 8, 2010

by Chicano87 September 4, 2005

Spanish informal term for penis as coño is to vagina
It is also in the same way as coño as an explitive, although less frequently (often when referring to hell or a hellish place)
It is also in the same way as coño as an explitive, although less frequently (often when referring to hell or a hellish place)
by farged December 23, 2007

Literally meant the lookout basket in the top mast of a Spanish galeon ship. Sailors would get very sea sick when assigned to this post, so when they would think of becoming mutinous, the captain would send them up to the carajo as punishment. Hence the Spanish interjection meaning anything from get out of here, go fly a kite, go fuck yourself, etc...
by Taino boy December 12, 2003

by h0mi May 3, 2004

by juan Roderick January 26, 2008
