spanish slang essay

How do you spell the Spanish slang - "essay" - meaning person?

used like, "what did you say essay?"

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It's " ese " and it means something like homeboy.

Ese is also like a thug. I wouldn't use it unless you knew the person really well.

Making educational experiences better for everyone.

Immersive learning for 25 languages

Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources

Fast, easy, reliable language certification

Fun educational games for kids

Comprehensive K-12 personalized learning

Trusted tutors for 300+ subjects

35,000+ worksheets, games, and lesson plans

Adaptive learning for English vocabulary

159 interesting Spanish slang words from all over the world

Marco Monroy

So, you’re well on your way in your Spanish learning journey and started feeling proud of your progress in class. Then, suddenly, you try to have a conversation with someone whose first language is Spanish - and your pride is shattered.  What did they just say?

If this has happened to you before, don’t worry! It probably means that you need to learn some Spanish slang to understand informal Spanish vocabulary. Spanish is spoken natively in over 20 countries and even has more first language speakers than English, making it an incredibly diverse language with many different slang words and phrases.

Let us walk you through some of the most popular Spanish slang words and phrases throughout Latin America and Europe. We’ll cover popular Spanish slang for ‘friend’, Spanish slang for ‘cool’, Spanish slang for texting, and more. We will also break down some of the most popular slang per country so that you know what to say next time you visit.

With this nifty guide, you’ll soon be able to navigate casual conversations like a local!

Why you need to know Spanish slang

There are over 20 Spanish-speaking countries worldwide. Just as English-speaking countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia have unique slang, different countries in Latin America and Europe will have different Spanish slang words.

Learning a wide variety of Spanish slang phrases will allow you to:

• Travel throughout Latin America and Spain with ease.
• Spare yourself some embarrassing situations where you don’t know the local Spanish slang.
• Communicate more effectively and naturally with locals.
• Sound more like a fluent speaker.
• Understand local memes and internet jokes!
• Watch YouTube videos, TV shows, and other slang-heavy digital media from different countries.

Although learning Spanish slang can seem daunting, it’s also a fun experience that will open many doors in your Spanish-learning journey.

Download our free guide to Spanish slang!

Spanish slang

Now that you’re excited to learn Spanish slang, let’s get into it. We'll cover the most popular Spanish slang words and phrases and provide their English translation as well as Spanish pronunciation for English speakers. Essentially, we’ll recreate the sounds with English words, so that you know how to say each word without having to mimic a native speaker!

Keep in mind that Spanish slang is pronounced differently in each country. For example, Spaniards generally pronounce the letter c as a th while Mexicans pronounce it as an s . The Spanish pronunciation column in the tables below will reflect the local pronunciation for the respective country for accuracy.

Spanish slang words

Spanish is a highly regionalized language, so most countries will have their own slang. Some slang words may even mean completely different things in different countries.

Before we get into country-specific slang, here are some Spanish slang words that are pretty universal.

General Spanish slang phrases

Spanish slang phrases are also highly dependent on the country. Many nationals will have slightly (or highly!) different ways of saying things. Here are some common slang phrases that can be pretty well understood in almost any Spanish-speaking country.

Spanish slang for friend

If you’re studying Spanish , you probably know that amigo is the word for ‘friend.’ However, did you know there are dozens of other ways you can refer to your friends? Below are some of the most common Spanish slang for ‘friend,’ including the country where each word is used.

Spanish slang for cool

One of the first things you will notice about Spanish slang words is that most countries have different ways of saying “cool.” Our table below will prepare you with the Spanish slang for cool you will need to survive anywhere.

Free downloadable guide to Spanish slang

We've created a list of popular slang words and phrases so you can start sounding like, and connect with Spanish locals. This guide to slang will take your Spanish learning to the next level.

Other country-specific Spanish slang

Mexican slang, ​​colombian slang, cuban slang, peruvian slang, argentinian slang, chilean slang, venezuelan slang, spanish slang in spain, other spanish slang from places not mentioned above, spanish slang faqs, what is some spanish texting slang.

Just as English speakers use LOL, TTYL, and ILY when texting, Spanish speakers use a lot of slang when messaging each other. Here are some of the most common Spanish texting slang acronyms you should know.

What is some Spanish slang for money?

There are many different Spanish slang words for money, as you can imagine. Here are some of the most common ones so that you’re never caught off guard when it comes to money:

What is Spanish slang for girlfriend?

Calling your girlfriend by a cutesy slang name is very common across Latin America. If you’re trying to impress your Latin American girlfriend, try calling her one of the following Spanish slang words for girlfriend:

• Mi princesa
• La dueña de mis quincenas

When is it appropriate to use Spanish slang?

Spanish slang should be strictly limited to casual and informal conversations. You should never use slang in a formal setting, such as in school, work, or any formal environment. Always try to limit the amount of slang you use when you first meet someone of higher authority than you, like your boss, your spouse’s parents, or officials. 

Check out our post on formal and informal greetings in Spanish here , if you're looking for expert guidance.

Tips for learning Spanish slang

Learning Spanish slang is one of the few things that you most likely won’t be able to accomplish in a classroom. No matter how advanced your Spanish classes are, you probably won’t spend a lot of time learning Spanish slang as you focus on grammar structures and vocabulary instead.

Here are some great tips to improve your knowledge of Spanish slang so that you can become more like a native speaker.

Make Spanish-speaking friends

The best way to learn Spanish slang is through practice. Making Spanish-speaking friends and communicating with them constantly is the best way to improve your understanding of Spanish slang.

Will you struggle to understand slang as it naturally appears in conversation? Sure. Might you feel embarrassed if you misuse slang? It happens! But the best way to learn slang is by trial and error. Just keep talking with your Spanish-speaking friends, and you will soon pick up and master every slang word they use.

Immerse yourself in the language

Full language immersion is an excellent way to improve your language skills all around. If you’re trying to grow your Spanish slang vocabulary, there is no better way than exposing yourself to everyday conversations where slang is most likely to come up naturally.

If total physical immersion isn’t possible due to work or family responsibilities, then you can try your best to turn your life into a Spanish-speaking environment.

You can do this by:

• Listening to Spanish music.
• Watching Spanish TV shows.
• Listening to Spanish podcasts.
• Reading Spanish books, especially novels.
• Watching YouTube videos from Spanish creators.

All of these are excellent ways to increase the amount of Spanish slang you are exposed to regularly.

Read informal online forums

One of the problems with reading books to increase your exposure to Spanish slang is that they tend to be highly edited and written with plain Spanish. An excellent way to circumvent this is to read what native speakers write and publish online without filtering. Online forums are an ideal place for this.

If you have any hobbies or passions, the chances are that there are plenty of Spanish-speaking online forums that you will find interesting. Google some of your interests in Spanish plus the word “ fórum ” and you are sure to find an exciting website with plenty of native content for you to consume!

Some final key takeaways

Learning Spanish slang words can take your language skills to the next level. Just knowing how to put sentences together and use textbook vocabulary will not be enough to navigate daily life in Spain, Latin America or other dominant Spanish-speaking regions.

Luckily, learning Spanish slang is now easier than ever, thanks to the internet and how you can mimic immersion from your own home.

We hope you have found this guide with Spanish slang phrases constructive and enjoyable. If you are traveling to any of the countries listed in our guide, we strongly encourage you to memorize every slang word for the respective country before you visit - and bookmark this page and regularly come back to it!

Expand your knowledge of Spanish

Learn with Berlitz

Related Articles

January 28, 2022

A helpful guide on how to say the days of the week in Spanish

December 20, 2021

245 popular farm, jungle, sea, pet and zoo animal names in Spanish

December 14, 2021

77 classic and unique ways to say hi in Spanish

1-866-423-7548, find out more.

Fill in the form below and we’ll contact you to discuss your learning options and answer any questions you may have.

I have read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Use

Translations dictionary

or esse [ es -ey] or [ ey -sey]

What does ese mean?

Ese , amigo , hombre . Or, in English slang, dude ,  bro , homey . Ese is a Mexican-Spanish slang term of address for a fellow man.

Related words

Where does ese come from.

Ese originates in Mexican Spanish. Ese literally means “that” or “that one,” and likely extended to “fellow man” as shortened from expressions like ese vato , “that guy.”

There are some more elaborate (though less probable) theories behind ese . One goes that a notorious Mexican gang, the  Sureños  (“Southerners”), made their way from Mexico City to Southern California in the 1960s.  Ese is the Spanish name for letter S , which is how the gang members referred to each other. Or so the story goes.

Ese is recorded in English for a “fellow Hispanic man” in the 1960s. It became more a general term of address by the 1980s, though  ese remains closely associated (and even stereotyped) with Chicano culture in the US.

Ese is notably found in the Chicano poetry of José Antonio Burciaga and Cheech & Chong comedy routines (Cheech Marin is Mexican-American.)

White confusion over ese was memorably parodied in a 2007 episode of the TV show South Park . On it, the boys think they can get some Mexican men to write their essays , but them men write letters home to their eses .

Examples of ese

Who uses ese?

For Mexican and Mexican-American Spanish speakers,  ese has the force of “dude,” “brother,” or “man,” i.e., a close and trusted friend or compatriot .

I needa kick it wit my ese's its been a minute — al (@a1anxs) February 1, 2019

It’s often used as friendly and familiar term of address…

Always a good time with my ese. 😎 pic.twitter.com/xxM4YroWDV — | Y | G | (@yg_monroe) January 12, 2019

…but it can also be more aggressively and forcefully.

Cypress Hill 2018: Who you tryin' ta mess with, ese? Don't you know I'm seeking professional help for my deep rooted emotional problemsssssss?!? — JAY. (@GoonLeDouche) June 30, 2018

“You’d have to be crazy to swipe left.” Who you tryna get crazy with, ese? Don’t you know I’m loco? Sorry, always wanted to say that. Anyway, swipe left. Might actually be crazy. — Why I Swiped Left (@LeftyMcSwiper) December 17, 2018

Ese is associated with Mexican and Chicano American culture, where it can refer to and be used by both men and women. The term is also specifically associated with Mexican-American gang culture.

What's up ese? pic.twitter.com/0vAQxZZ6SO — AlesiAkiraKitsune© (@AlesiAkira) January 21, 2019

It is often considered appropriative for people outside those cultures to use ese , especially since some non-Mexican people may use  ese in ways that mock Mexicans and Mexican-American culture.

This is not meant to be a formal definition of ese like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of ese that will help our users expand their word mastery.

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other categories

• Famous People
• Fictional Characters
• Gender & Sexuality
• Historical & Current Events
• Pop Culture
• Tech & Science
• Translations

• Skip to main content

• Home Buenos Aires
• Intensive Group Classes
• University Program
• Private One-on-One
• Private Group
• Argentina Study Visa
• TEFL Course
• Evening & Weekend Classes
• 1 Day Crash Course
• Classes for Kids & Families
• Spanish Classes
• Study Visa and Work Visa
• Learn Spanish in Mendoza
• Clases de Inglés
• Home Malaga
• Group Classes
• Private 1-on-1
• Spanish Study Visas
• Spanish for Seniors
• Kids Summer Camp
• Spanish for Kids
• Bildungsurlaub Course in Malaga
• Pricing Buenos Aires
• Pricing Málaga
• Pricing Online
• Spanish Students Visas
• 🇦🇷 🏡 Homestay in Buenos Aires
• 🇪🇸 🏡 Homestay in Málaga
• Private Apartment in Málaga
• Airport Transfer Buenos Aires
• Free Coworking in Malaga
• Workshops & Activities
• Volunteering in Buenos Aires
• Tango Classes
• Yoga Classes
• Why Spanish in Málaga
• Why Spanish in Argentina?
• 👨‍💼CORPORATE SPANISH
• 🚀 Ready to get started?
• 🎓 REGISTER NOW
• 📞 CONTACT US

October 22, 2023 · Learn Spanish , Lifestyle & Culture

Slang and Colloquialisms: The Informal Side of Spanish

Send on WhatsApp

Have you ever wondered about the colorful world of Spanish slang and how it can enhance your language skills? Learning Spanish slang is not only important for understanding informal conversations, but also for connecting with native speakers and immersing yourself in the local culture. By incorporating slang into your language repertoire, you can sound more like a native and gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of the Spanish language.

Key Takeaways:

• Spanish slang is essential for understanding informal conversations and connecting with native speakers.
• Learning Spanish slang expands your vocabulary and helps you sound more like a native speaker.
• Slang words and expressions vary across different Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting their unique cultures and regional identities.
• Understanding Spanish idioms is crucial for fluent communication and cultural engagement.
• Spanish slang can be found in various forms of popular culture, such as music, movies, and social media.

Why Learning Spanish Slang Matters

To truly thrive in Spanish conversations and feel like a local, understanding slang is indispensable. Sure, formal Spanish opens doors in professional spheres and academic endeavors, but it’s the colorful slang that lets you in on the genuine, everyday chats and helps you bond deeply with native speakers.

If you’re keen to master this vibrant facet of the Spanish language, why not immerse yourself in our Spanish classes in Buenos Aires ? Or perhaps you’d prefer the rich, coastal vibes of our Spanish lessons in Malaga ? And if you’re looking to fit learning into your busy schedule, our online Spanish study sessions are just a click away.

As you delve into Spanish slang, you do more than just bulk up your vocabulary. You tune into the language’s ever-evolving pulse, shaped by the mindsets and moods of each generation. It’s like getting a backstage pass, letting you effortlessly glide through social interactions and truly feel “at home” amidst Spanish speakers.

What’s more, peppering your conversations with well-placed slang reveals your depth of interest in the local scene. It’s an unmistakable sign that you’re not merely scratching the surface. Native speakers will sense this genuine intrigue, valuing your commitment. By weaving in slang, you’re not just enhancing your linguistic prowess; you’re forging real, heartfelt connections. So, whether you fancy the charm of Buenos Aires, the allure of Malaga, or the flexibility of online sessions, jumpstart your Spanish journey with us!

Expanding Your Vocabulary with Spanish Slang

Learning Spanish slang not only expands your vocabulary but also offers you a more versatile and fluent style of communication. Slang words and idioms add color and personality to your speech, helping you express yourself with more flair and authenticity. They allow you to connect with others on a deeper level, making conversations more engaging and memorable.

To illustrate, here are some must-know Spanish slang words and phrases:

As you explore these different expressions, you’ll find that Spanish slang adds depth and richness to your language skills, making you a more confident and effective communicator in informal settings.

Common Spanish Slang Words and Phrases

Get ready to discover some of the most commonly used Spanish slang words and phrases that will add flair to your language skills. Learning these expressions will not only help you sound more like a native speaker but also make it easier to connect with locals and understand their culture.

One popular slang word in Spanish is “guay,” which means “cool.” It’s often used to describe something or someone as impressive or stylish. For example, you might say “Ese coche es guay” to say “That car is cool.”

Another common phrase is “vale,” which means “okay” or “alright.” It’s used in various contexts to express agreement, understanding, or to show that you’re fine with something. You might hear someone say “Vale, nos vemos mañana” to say “Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Examples of Common Spanish Slang Words:

In addition to these phrases, you may come across expressions like “qué fuerte” (how crazy), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute). These words and phrases add color and authenticity to your Spanish conversations.

It’s important to note that Spanish slang can vary from country to country. For example, in Colombia, the word “parce” is commonly used to refer to a friend, similar to “buddy” or “mate.” In Venezuela, the word “chevere” is a popular slang term for “cool.” And in Mexico, you might hear the word “wey” used as a casual way to address a friend or acquaintance, similar to “dude” in English.

Learning Spanish slang not only expands your vocabulary but also enhances your cultural understanding. It allows you to embrace the nuances of the language and connect with native speakers on a deeper level. So, why not add some trendy Spanish slang to your language repertoire and impress your amigos?

Idioms in Spanish: A Closer Look

Uncover the fascinating world of idioms in Spanish and learn how they can enrich your conversations in unexpected ways. Idioms are a unique aspect of language that add color and depth to everyday communication. In Spanish, idiomatic expressions are commonly used and understanding them can greatly enhance your fluency.

Spanish idioms often have a figurative meaning that may not be immediately evident from the literal translation. Learning these expressions allows you to connect with native speakers on a more nuanced level and truly embrace the richness of the Spanish language.

To give you a glimpse into the world of Spanish idioms, here are a few examples:

These idioms offer a glimpse into the colorful and expressive nature of the Spanish language. By incorporating idiomatic expressions into your conversations, you can captivate listeners and showcase your understanding of the language’s cultural intricacies.

Regional Variations of Spanish Slang

Discover the diverse range of Spanish slang across different regions and enrich your understanding of local culture. Spanish slang is not only about words and phrases; it is a reflection of the unique expressions and identities that exist within each Spanish-speaking country. From the colorful streets of Colombia to the vibrant neighborhoods of Mexico, each region has its own slang vocabulary that adds richness and depth to the language.

Colombia: “Parce” and Beyond

In Colombia, the word “parce” is commonly used to refer to a friend. It is a term of endearment that creates a sense of camaraderie and connection among locals. But Colombian slang goes beyond “parce.” You’ll find expressions like “chévere” (cool) and “parche” (group of friends) used in everyday conversations. Embracing Colombian slang not only helps you communicate more naturally but also allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this South American gem.

Venezuela: The Coolness of “Chevere”

Venezuelan Spanish is known for its unique slang expressions, with “chévere” being one of the most popular. This word is used to describe something or someone as cool, great, or fantastic. It’s a versatile term that encapsulates the positive and lively spirit of the Venezuelan people. So, next time you find yourself in Venezuela, don’t forget to sprinkle your conversations with a touch of “chévere” to truly connect with the locals.

Mexico: The Wonders of “Wey”

Mexico’s slang is famous for the word “wey,” which is derived from the English word “dude.” It is a term widely used among friends and can be both friendly and affectionate. However, Mexican slang goes beyond “wey.” Expressions like “qué padre” (how cool) and “qué chido” (how awesome) are commonly heard in informal conversations. So, if you find yourself in Mexico, embracing Mexican slang will help you navigate the vibrant streets and connect with the warm-hearted locals.

Enhancing Cultural Understanding Through Spanish Slang

Dive into the vibrant world of Spanish slang and unlock a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry behind the language. Learning Spanish slang not only expands your vocabulary but also offers valuable insights into the nuances and idiosyncrasies of different Spanish-speaking cultures. By incorporating colloquial Spanish expressions into your language repertoire, you can navigate social situations, connect with locals, and embrace the true essence of the language.

Spanish slang reflects the dynamism and diversity of the Hispanic world. From Spain to Latin America, each country has its own unique slang words and phrases that reflect the regional flavor and influences. For example, in Colombia, you’ll often hear people using “parce” to refer to a friend, while “chevere” is the slang term for “cool” in Venezuela. In Mexico, “wey” is a popular slang word meaning “dude.” Familiarizing yourself with these regional variations allows you to better understand and connect with native speakers on a more personal level.

Moreover, Spanish slang goes beyond vocabulary. It also encompasses the cultural references, humor, and social dynamics of the language. Learning colloquial Spanish expressions helps you gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and traditions. It allows you to engage in conversations with native speakers in a more authentic and natural way. By using slang appropriately, you demonstrate respect and appreciation for the local culture, fostering deeper connections and friendships.

So, dive into the colorful world of Spanish slang and embrace the limitless possibilities it offers. Expand your vocabulary, deepen your cultural understanding, and communicate with confidence in informal settings. Whether you’re sharing a laugh with locals, immersing yourself in popular culture, or connecting with friends online, Spanish slang is your gateway to a richer, more nuanced experience of the Spanish language.

Broaden your linguistic horizons by incorporating trendy Spanish slang and idioms into your vocabulary. Learning Spanish slang not only adds a layer of authenticity to your language skills but also allows you to connect with native speakers on a deeper level. By familiarizing yourself with common Spanish slang words and phrases, you gain insights into local culture and improve your ability to navigate informal conversations.

Some popular Spanish slang words include “guay” (cool), “vale” (okay), and “qué fuerte” (how crazy). These words are frequently used in informal settings, and by incorporating them into your daily conversations, you’ll sound more like a native speaker. Additionally, phrases like “chulo/a” (cool), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute) add flair to your language repertoire and allow you to express yourself in a more nuanced way.

It’s important to note that Spanish slang varies across different regions. For example, in Colombia, the word “parce” is commonly used to refer to a friend, while in Venezuela, “chevere” means cool. In Mexico, “wey” is a popular slang term used to address a friend. By familiarizing yourself with regional variations of Spanish slang, you’ll not only be able to understand conversations better but also adapt to different local contexts when communicating with native speakers.

Benefits of Learning Spanish Slang

• Expanded Vocabulary: Incorporating Spanish slang into your language repertoire enhances your vocabulary and allows you to express yourself more creatively.
• Cultural Understanding: Learning slang words and idioms helps you gain insights into different aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and enhances your cultural sensitivity.
• Confident Communication: By mastering Spanish slang, you’ll feel more at ease in informal conversations, boosting your confidence when interacting with native speakers.

So, why limit yourself to textbook Spanish? Embrace the richness of the language by learning trendy Spanish slang and idioms. It’s a fun and exciting way to connect with native speakers, deepen your cultural understanding, and become a more confident communicator.

Mastering the Art of Informal Communication

Elevate your conversational skills with a deeper understanding of how to use Spanish slang naturally and confidently. In informal settings, being able to utilize colloquial Spanish expressions and informal phrases is key to connecting with native speakers and immersing yourself in the local culture.

By incorporating trendy Spanish slang into your vocabulary, you can expand your linguistic repertoire and better navigate social situations. Common Spanish slang words like “guay” (cool), “vale” (okay), and “chulo/a” (cool) are frequently used in casual conversations, while phrases such as “qué fuerte” (how crazy), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute) add flair and authenticity to your speech.

Embracing Regional Variations

It’s also important to note that Spanish slang varies from region to region. For example, in Colombia, you might hear people referring to their friends as “parce,” while in Venezuela, “chevere” is a common term for “cool.” Likewise, in Mexico, “wey” is often used as a casual way to address someone. Familiarizing yourself with these regional variations enhances your cultural understanding and allows you to connect with locals on a deeper level.

Learning Spanish slang not only expands your vocabulary but also gives you a glimpse into the nuances of the language. It helps you sound more like a native speaker and enables you to embrace the informal side of Spanish. With practice and exposure, you’ll gain the confidence to use slang words and phrases naturally, making your conversations more engaging and authentic.

Spanish Slang in Pop Culture

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Spanish pop culture and discover how slang plays a significant role in shaping modern expressions. From catchy songs to trendy movies and social media trends, Spanish slang infuses these platforms with an extra dose of personality and authenticity.

Popular Spanish slang phrases like “qué fuerte” (how crazy), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute) are often heard in conversations and seen in online interactions. These slang words add color and flair to everyday communication, allowing people to show their enthusiasm, surprise, or admiration in a more engaging way.

In addition, Spanish pop culture showcases regional variations of slang, highlighting the unique expressions and idioms specific to different countries. For example, you might come across “parce” (friend) in Colombia, “chevere” (cool) in Venezuela, or “wey” (dude) in Mexico. Understanding these regional slang terms not only helps you connect with locals but also enables you to appreciate the cultural diversity within the Spanish-speaking world.

By staying updated with popular Spanish slang , you can fully engage with contemporary culture and enhance your language skills. Incorporating slang into your vocabulary not only expands your linguistic repertoire but also allows you to express yourself more authentically in informal settings.

So, whether you’re listening to the latest hits, watching popular Spanish movies, or scrolling through social media feeds, take note of the slang expressions used. They are the key to unlocking a deeper connection with the Spanish-speaking world and immersing yourself in its vibrant and dynamic pop culture.

Navigating Spanish Slang Online

Decode the ever-evolving world of Spanish slang online and stay ahead of the curve with our expert tips. As the internet continues to shape our communication, understanding and using slang in online interactions has become increasingly important. It allows you to connect with native Spanish speakers, stay up-to-date with current trends, and express yourself more naturally in informal virtual conversations.

When exploring Spanish slang online, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common phrases and expressions. Websites, social media platforms, and online forums often serve as hubs for slang usage. By actively participating in these online communities, you can learn new words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions that might not be found in traditional language courses. Forums dedicated to Spanish slang, language exchange groups, and social media accounts that highlight trendy slang can be particularly valuable resources for expanding your knowledge.

Additionally, you should be aware of the abbreviations and shortcuts commonly used in online conversations. Spanish slang abbreviations, such as “tb” (también) for “also” or “qtl” (que te lo) for “take care,” are frequently employed to save time and convey familiarity. By grasping these online-specific slang conventions, you’ll be able to navigate conversations more smoothly and better understand native speakers in virtual settings.

Remember, the world of Spanish slang is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay curious, open-minded, and engaged with the online Spanish-speaking community. By embracing Spanish slang in all its forms, you’ll not only improve your language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant culture embedded within the language.

Spanish Slang: A Gateway to Connection

Explore the power of Spanish slang as a gateway to more meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of the language. Learning Spanish slang is not only about expanding your vocabulary, but also about immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with native speakers on a personal level. By incorporating slang into your language repertoire, you gain the ability to effortlessly navigate informal conversations and truly embrace the nuances of the Spanish language.

Spanish slang provides a unique insight into the local culture and allows you to sound more like a native speaker. It adds color and personality to your conversations, enabling you to connect with others in a more authentic way. Words and phrases like “guay” (cool), “qué fuerte” (how crazy), and “es la leche” (it’s great) capture the essence of informal Spanish conversations and help you blend seamlessly into social settings.

One of the fascinating aspects of Spanish slang is its regional variations. Different countries have their own slang words and expressions that reflect their unique cultural identities. For example, in Colombia, “parce” is used to refer to a friend, while in Venezuela, “chevere” is a popular word for cool. In Mexico, “wey” is a commonly used term to address friends. By familiarizing yourself with these regional variations, you not only enhance your language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the Spanish-speaking world.

Learning Spanish slang not only improves your language skills but also enhances your cultural understanding. It allows you to embrace the local customs, traditions, and ways of expression. By immersing yourself in the world of Spanish slang, you gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of the language, enabling you to build stronger connections and form meaningful relationships with native Spanish speakers.

Unlock the vibrant world of Spanish slang and embark on a journey of cultural immersion, linguistic versatility, and meaningful connections. Learning Spanish slang is crucial for understanding informal conversations and connecting with native speakers. By incorporating slang words and phrases into your language repertoire, you can sound more like a native and effortlessly navigate local culture.

Some common Spanish slang words and phrases include “guay” (cool), “vale” (okay), “qué fuerte” (how crazy), “chulo/a” (cool), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute). These expressions not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your cultural understanding, allowing you to embrace the nuances of the language.

Moreover, different countries have their own regional variations of Spanish slang. For example, in Colombia, you’ll hear “parce” used to refer to a friend, while in Venezuela, “chevere” means cool, and in Mexico, “wey” is a common term for dude. Understanding these variations adds depth to your language skills and enables you to connect more authentically with native speakers from different regions.

By learning Spanish slang, you also gain confidence in informal settings. Incorporating colloquial expressions and idioms into your conversations shows that you not only understand the language but also the culture. It allows you to navigate social situations with ease and build stronger connections with locals.

In conclusion, Spanish slang is an essential aspect of language learning. It expands your vocabulary, enhances cultural understanding, and helps you communicate more confidently in informal settings. So, dive into the world of Spanish slang and unlock a wealth of linguistic and cultural richness.

Why is learning Spanish slang important?

Learning Spanish slang is important for understanding informal conversations and connecting with native speakers. It helps you sound more like a native and navigate local culture with ease.

What are some common Spanish slang words and phrases?

Some common Spanish slang words and phrases include “guay” (cool), “vale” (okay), “qué fuerte” (how crazy), “chulo/a” (cool), “es la leche” (it’s great), and “qué mono” (how cute).

Are there different variations of Spanish slang?

Yes, different countries have their own slang variations. For example, “parce” (friend) is used in Colombia, “chevere” (cool) in Venezuela, and “wey” (dude) in Mexico.

How does learning Spanish slang enhance cultural understanding?

Learning Spanish slang helps you embrace the nuances of a language and navigate social situations more effectively. It allows you to connect with locals and deepen your understanding of local culture.

Can learning Spanish slang expand my vocabulary?

Yes, learning Spanish slang expands your vocabulary by incorporating trendy and colloquial expressions into your repertoire. This makes you a more versatile and fluent speaker.

How can I effectively use Spanish slang in informal conversations?

To effectively use Spanish slang, pay attention to pronunciation, intonation, and appropriate usage. Practice using slang phrases in conversations and learn from native speakers.

How does Spanish slang influence pop culture?

Spanish slang has a significant influence on pop culture, including music, movies, and social media. Staying updated with popular slang can help you stay connected with current trends.

How can I navigate Spanish slang online?

To navigate Spanish slang online, familiarize yourself with common abbreviations and shorthand used in online communication. Pay attention to the context and learn from online conversations.

Can Spanish slang help me connect with native speakers?

Yes, Spanish slang can serve as a bridge to connecting with native speakers on a deeper level. It shows your interest in their culture and language, fostering stronger relationships.

Special Promotion on our Online Group and Individual Classes!

Can't travel to us? No problem. We can bring you the same Spanish learning experience online and at a SPECIAL PRICE!

• 10-hr weekly group classes - ONLY AT $99/WEEK
• Personalized one-on-one classes - ONLY AT $20/HR

Sign up is easy. Just tell us what you're interested in and we'll get you started in no time.

I WANT TO LEARN SPANISH ONLINE IN*:

• GROUP CLASSES
• PRIVATE CLASSES
• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tagged: colloquial , colloquial phrases , informal spanish , learn spanish , slang

Share this post!

Start your Spanish Immersion Experience Today. We offer both In-Person and Online Spanish Classes. Discover Our Malaga School or our Buenos Aires School . No matter your plans VAMOS Academy has a course for you!

Join the conversation on social:

RELATED ARTICLES:

Computer parts in spanish: vocabulary guide.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on computer parts in Spanish. In this tutorial, we…

Ultimate Guide to Argentina’s Facturas, Pastries and Croissants

A guide to argentine pastries you can get at every bakery in Argentina and...

Superlative Adjectives in Spanish

To effectively discuss the best and most challenging aspects of learning a new language…

Buenos Aires Street Vendors

Have you ever wondered how street vendors in Buenos Aires manage to turn their…

SPANISH CLASSES: BEGINNER TO ADVANCE. START TODAY!

• ONLINE SPANISH CLASSES
• LEARN SPANISH IN ARGENTINA
• LEARN SPANISH IN SPAIN
• ENROL TODAY

HIGHLY RATED & REVIEWED

TripAdvisor

HALL OF FAME

I took a four-week course at Vamos and was delighted with the experience. The course is conversation-intensive, which was incredibly useful given that speaking tends to be the most difficult skill.

Vamos Spanish Academy offers an outstanding educational experience. I spent a total of 12 exceptional weeks at the school.

I can also recommend highly the home stay feature of the course. I stayed with an Argentinian in the next suburb who only spoke Spanish, but who was very patient with me as I improved.

My Spanish improves by the hour! The staff and academic director do everything in their power to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

• Français ( French )
• Português ( Portuguese (Brazil) )

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Mexican Slang: 90+ Spanish Slang Words and Expressions to Sound Like a Local (with Audio and a Quiz)

Looking to have a huge head start when you travel to Mexico?

You’ve gotta learn the slang.

In this post, I’m going to give you a brief introduction to the country’s unique version of Spanish—and by the time we’re done, you’ll be better prepared to navigate a slang-filled conversation with Mexicans!

The Most Common Mexican Slang Words and Expressions

1. ¡qué padre — cool, 2. me vale madre — i don’t care, 3. poca madre — really cool, 4. fresa — preppy.

• 5. ¡Aguas! — Watch out!

6. En el bote — In jail

7. estar crudo — to be hungover, 8. ¡a huevo — **** yeah, 9. chilango — someone from mexico city, 10. te crees muy muy — you think you’re something special, 11. ese — dude, 12. metiche — busybody, 13. pocho / pocha — a mexican who’s left mexico, 14. naco — tacky, 15. cholo — mexican gangster, 16. güey — dude, 17. carnal  — close friend, 18. ¿neta — really.

• 19. Eso que ni que — I agree

20. Ahorita — Right now

21. ni modo — whatever, 22. no hay tos — no problem, 23. sale — okay, sure, 24. coda / codo — someone who’s cheap, 25. tener feria — to have money/change, 26. buena onda — good vibes, 27. ¿qué onda — what’s up, 28. ¡viva méxico — long live mexico.

• 29. Pendejo — Jerk
• 30. Cabrón — Mean, not very smart, awesome
• 31. Pedo — Drunk, problem
• 32. Pinche — Ugly, cheap

33. Verga — Male genitalia

34. chingar — to f***, 35. ¡no manches / ¡no mames — no way, don’t mess with me, 36. está cañón — difficult, 37. chido — nice, cool, 38. chulo / chula — good-looking person, 39. ¿a poco — really, 40. ¡órale — right on, 41. chela — beer, 42. la tira — the cops, 43. ¿mande — what, 44. suave — cool, 45. gacho — mean, 46. ándale — hurry up, 47. chale — give me a break, 48. chamba / chambear — work, 49. bronca — problem, 50. paro — favor, 51. chido / chida — cool, 52. padre — awesome, 53. chingón — badass, 54. chamba — job, 55. vato — guy, 56. morro — kid, 57. jefa / jefe — mom/dad, 58. vieja / viejo — girlfriend, wife/boyfriend, husband, 59. carnalito — little brother, 60. chiquitín — little one, 61. chavito / chavita — young guy/young girl, 62. camión — bus, 63. chulear — to show off, 64. chingar — to bother, 65. estrenar — to wear or use something for the first time, 66. guacala — yuck, 67. huevón — lazy person, 68. jato — car, 69. mamacita — attractive woman, 70. pisto — money, 71. ¿que pex — what’s up, 72. rola — song, 73. ¿sapbe — what’s up , 74. valedor — friend, 75. vato loco — crazy guy, 76. wacha — look / watch, 77. ¡ya nos cargó el payaso — we’re in trouble, 78. cuate — buddy, 79. jeta — face, 80. madrazo — a strong hit, 81. nalga — buttocks, 82. ñero — dark-skinned person, 83. pacheco — drunk, 84. pirata — fake, 85. relajo — mess, 86. riata — belt, 87. sobres — okay, got it, 88. tapado — conceited, 89. troca — truck, 90. zarape — blanket or shawl, what you need to know about mexican spanish, resources for learning more mexican slang, quick guide to mexican slang, na’atik language and culture institute, why you should learn mexican slang, mexican slang quiz: test yourself, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Mexican slang could be a language of its own. 

Just a word of warning: some terms on this list may be considered rude and should be used with caution.

This phrase’s literal translation, “How father!”, doesn’t make much sense at all, but it can be understood to mean “cool!” or “awesome!”  

¡Conseguí entradas para Daddy Yankee! (I got tickets for Daddy Yankee!)

¡ Qué padre , güey! (Awesome, dude!)

This phrase is used to say “I don’t care.”  It’s not quite a curse, but it can be considered offensive in more formal situations.

If used with the word que  (that), remember you need to use the subjunctive . 

Me vale madre lo que haga con su vida. (I don’t care what he does with his life).

Literally translated as “little mother,” this phrase is used to describe something really cool.

Once again, this phrase can be considered offensive (and is mostly used among groups of young men).

Esta canción está poca madre . (This song is really cool).

Literally a “strawberry,” a fresa is not something you want to be.

Somewhat similar to the word “preppy” in the United States , a fresa is a young person from a wealthy family who’s self-centered, superficial and materialistic.

Ella es una fresa. (She’s preppy/rich/stuck up).

5. ¡Aguas! —  Watch out!

This phrase is used throughout Mexico to mean “be careful!” or “look out!”

Literally meaning “waters,” it’s possible that this usage evolved from housewives throwing buckets of water to clean the sidewalks in front of their homes.

¡Aguas!  El piso está mojado. (Be careful! The floor’s wet).

The word  bote  means “can” (as in a can of soda).

However, when a Mexican says someone is  “en el bote,”  they mean someone is  “in the slammer,” “in jail.”

Adrián no puede venir, ¡está en el bote ! (Adrian can’t come, he’s in jail!)

Estar crudo  means “to be raw,” as in food that hasn’t been cooked.

However, if someone in Mexico tells you they’re crudo, it means they’re hungover because they’ve drunk too much alcohol. 

Estoy muy crudo hoy. (I’m really hungover today).

Huevos (eggs) are often used to denote a specific part of the male anatomy —you can probably guess which—and they’re also used in a wide variety of slang phrases.

¡A huevo! is a  vulgar way to show excitement or approval. Think “eff yeah!” without the self-censorship.

¡Ganamos el partido! (We won the game!)

¡A huevo! Me alegra. (**** yeah! I’m glad)

This slang term means something, usually a person, who comes from Mexico City.

Calling someone a chilango is saying that they’re representative of the culture of the city.

¿Eres chilango ? (Are you from Mexico City?)

This literally means “you think you’re very very” but the slang meaning is more of “you think you’re something special,”  or “you think you’re all that.”

Often, this is used to power down someone who’s boastful or thinks they’re better than anyone else.

Te crees muy muy desde que conseguiste ese trabajo. (You think you’re all that since you got that job).

Supposedly, in the 1960s members of a Mexican gang called the Sureños  (“Southerners”) used to call each other “ese” (after the first letter of the gang’s name). 

However, in the ’80s, the word ese  started to be used to refer to men in general, meaning something like “dude” or “dawg”.

It’s also possible  ese  originated from expressions like  ese vato (“that guy”), and from that, the word  ese started to be used to refer to a man.

“¿Qué pedo, ese ?” “What up, dawg?”

Metiche is a slang word for someone who loves to get the scoop on everyone’s everything. 

Some people would refer to this sort of person as a busybody!

¿De qué hablaste con tu amiga? (What did you talk about with your friend?)

Nada, ¡no seas tan metiche ! (Nothing, don’t be such a busybody!)

This Mexican slang term refers to a Mexican who’s left Mexico or someone who’s perhaps forgotten their Mexican roots or heritage.

It can be used as just an observatory expression, but also as a derogatory slang word used to point out that someone’s at fault for not remembering their heritage.

Mis primos pochos vienen a visitar este fin de semana. (My  pocho cousins are coming to visit this weekend).

Naco is a word used to describe  someone or something poorly educated and bad-mannered.

The closest American equivalent would be “tacky” or “ghetto.”

The word has its origins in insulting indigenous and poor people, so be careful with this word!

Me parece un poco naco . (It seems a bit tacky).

Although the word  cholo  can have several meanings, it often refers to Mexican gangsters, especially Mexican American teens and youngsters who are in a street gang.

Vi unos cholos en la esquina. (I saw some gang members on the corner).

This one is pronounced like the English word “way” and it’s one of the most quintessential Mexican slang words.

Originally used to mean “a stupid person,” the word eventually morphed into a term of endearment similar to the English “dude.”

¡Apúrate, güey ! (Hurry up, dude!)

Carnal  comes from Spanish  carne  (meat).

It’s perhaps for this reason that carnal  is used to describe a close friend who’s like a sibling to you, carne de tu carne  or flesh of your flesh. 

Allí está mi carnala Laura . (There’s my close friend Laura).

“Truth?” or “really?” is what someone’s saying when they use this little word.

This popular conversational interjection is used to fill a lull in the chatter or to give someone the opportunity to come clean on an exaggeration.

Oftentimes, though, it’s just said to express agreement with the last comment in a conversation  or to clarify something. 

¿ Neta ? Pero ¿qué pasó? (Really? But what happened?)

19. Eso que ni que —  I agree

Don’t try to translate this literally—just know that this convenient phrase means that you’re in agreement with whatever’s being discussed. 

Es muy bueno para bailar. (He’s really good at dancing).

Sí, baila mejor que todos, eso que ni que . (Yes, he dances better than everyone, no doubt about it).

This translates as “little now” but the small word means right now, or at this very moment.

¡Tenemos que irnos ahorita ! (We have to leave right now!)

Ni modo , which can be literally translated as “not way” or “either way,” is possibly one of the most popular Mexican expressions. 

It’s generally used to say “eh, whatever” or “it is what it is.”

Ni modo  can also be used with  que  (that) and a present subjunctive to say you can’t do something at the moment or there’s no way you’d do it.

It’s like saying “there’s no way” or “are you nuts?” in English.

Ni modo , hay mejores chicas/chicos en el mundo. (Oh well, there are better girls/guys in the world)

Ni modo que conteste, güey. (There’s no way I’m answering, man).

No hay tos  literally means “there’s no cough,” but it’s used to say “no problem” or “don’t worry about it.”

Lo siento, me olvidé mi billetera. ¿Tienes plata? (Sorry, I forgot my wallet. Do you have cash?)

No, pero no hay tos , comamos en la casa. (No, but no problem, let’s eat at home).

Sale  means “okay,” “sure,” “yeah” or “let’s do it,”  so it’s normally used in situations when someone suggests doing something and you agree.

It can also be used as a question tag when you want someone’s opinion or to see if they’re on the same page as you.

¿Vamos al concierto? (Shall we go to the concert?)

Sale , pero tendrás que prestarme lana. (Sure, but you’ll have to lend me some money.)

Codo literally means “elbow” in English but Mexican slang has turned it into a term used to describe someone who’s cheap.

It can be applied to either gender, so pay attention to the -a or -o ending of this descriptive noun.

¡Ese codo ni pagó la cena! (That cheapskate didn’t even pay for dinner!)

Feria means “fair” so the literal translation of this expression is “to have or be fair.”

However, feria also refers to coins when it’s used in Mexico. So, the phrase basically means “to have money” or “to have pocket change.”

¿Tienes feria ? (Do you have money?).

Buena onda literally translates to “good wave” but it’s used to indicate that there are good vibes or a good energy present.

Tienes buena onda . (You give off good vibes). 

This slangy Mexican expression translates to “what wave?” but is a cool way to ask “what’s up?”

It’s another feel-good, casual conversational expression that really adds a lot of good feelings to any chat.

¿ Qué onda ? ¿Cómo has estado? (What’s up? How have you been?)

¡Viva México! literally means “long live Mexico!”

It’s the unifying phrase that says the country should grow, prosper and see happy times for its citizens and visitors.

It’s often shortened to “¡viva!” which means the same as the full phrase .

¡Ganamos el mundial! ¡ Viva México ! (We won the world cup! Long live Mexico!)

29. P endejo — Jerk

Pendejo is one of those magical words that appear in almost every Spanish variety but have a different meaning depending on where you are.

In Mexico, it has a rather rude meaning: “unpleasant or stupid person,” “jerk.”

No me hables, pendejo . (Don’t talk to me, jerk).

30. C abrón — Mean, not very smart, awesome

While technically cabrón means “big [male] goat,” it has plenty of other meanings.

Used as a rude word its meaning is quite similar to pendejo, but cabrón  is higher in the rudeness scale: meaning unpleasant, mean or not very bright.

But change the tone a bit and you might, instead, be saying someone is  awesome!

The word can even be used in place of the f-bomb, very often following bien— very, to mean you’re really awesome at doing something.

Soy bien cabrón jugando a Minecraft. (I’m friggin’ awesome at playing Minecraft).

31. P edo — Drunk, problem

A  pedo  is a fart, literally. 

This word has lots of different meanings, depending on how you say it and the situation:

• Estar pedo — to be drunk
• Peda — drinking session
• Ser buen pedo — to give off good vibes
• Ser mal pedo — to be unfriendly or hostile
• ¿Qué pedo? — what’s up?
• Pedo  — problem or argument
• Ponerse al pedo — to want a fight, or to have an attitude of defiance
• ¿Qué pedo contigo, cabrón? (What’s your problem, man?)

Here’s Mexican actress Salma Hayek explaining qué pedo  and other Mexican slang:

32. P inche — Ugly, cheap

The word  pinche  may sound quite unproblematic for many Spanish speakers because it literally means “kitchen helper.”

However, when in Mexico, this word goes rogue and acquires a couple of interesting meanings.

It can mean “ugly,” “substandard,” “poor” or “cheap,” but it can also be used as an a ll-purpose enhancer, much like the meaner cousin of “hecking” is used in English.

Eres un pinche loco . (You’re effing crazy).

Originally, the  verga  was the horizontal beam from which a ship’s sails were hung, but this word has come to mean a man’s schlong in Spanish nowadays.

You can also use this word as a standalone exclamation with the meaning of the f-bomb. 

Here are a few more uses of the word:

• Creerse verga — to think you’re all that
• Valer verga — to be worthless
• Irse a la verga — a “lovely” way of telling someone to eff off
• Tus palabras me valen verga . (Your words mean nothing to me).

Chingar  means “to do the deed.” It’s Mexico’s version of the f-word. Simple. 

Chingar is a word that’s prevalent in Mexican culture in its various forms and meanings. 

¡Deja de chingar ! (Stop f***ing around!)

These two phrases are essentially one and the same, hence why they’re grouped together.

Literally meaning “don’t stain!” and “don’t suck,” these are used to say  “no way! You’re kidding me!” or  “don’t mess with me!”

No manches is totally benign, but no mames is considered vulgar and can potentially be offensive.

¡No manches!   ¿Pensé que habían terminado? (No way! I thought they had broken up?)

Here are actors Eva Longoria and Michael Peña explaining  no manches  and other Mexican slang words:

When you say that something is está cañón  (literally, “it’s cannon”), you’re saying “it’s hard/difficult.”

Some believe that the phrase arose as a more polite euphemism for está cabrón.

As a Spaniard, I find this meaning quite funny, because  estar cañón  means “to be very attractive” in Castilian Spanish.

El examen estuvo bien cañón . (The exam was very difficult).

This word is simply a fun way to say “nice” or “cool” in Mexican Spanish.

Despite its status as slang, it’s not vulgar or offensive in the least—so have fun with it!

It can be used as both a standalone exclamation (¡qué chido! — cool!) or as an adjective.

Tienes un carro bien chido. (You have a really cool car). 

When it comes to Mexico, chulo  is used as an adjective to refer to people you find hot, good-looking or pretty.

You can also use it to refer to things with the meaning of “cute,” however if you travel to Spain, don’t use this word to refer to people—since a chulo  is “a pimp.” 

¿Viste ese chulo en la panadería? (Did you see that hot guy in the bakery?)

There’s no way to translate this one literally, it just comes back as nonsense. Mexicans, however, use it to say “really?” when they’re feeling incredulous.

Ale dijo que ganó la lotería! (Alex said that he won the lottery!)

¿ A poco ? ¿Lo crees? (Really? Do you believe him?)

This exclamation basically means “right on!” or in some situations is used as a message of approval like “let’s do it!”

Órale is another Mexican slang word that’s considered inoffensive and is appropriate for almost any social situation. 

It can be said quickly and excitedly or offered up with a long, drawn-out “o” sound.

Creo que te puedo ganar. (I think I can beat you). 

¡Órale! A ver. (Bring it on! Let’s see).

Simple enough, chela is a Mexican slang word for  beer.

In other parts of Latin America, chela is a woman who’s blond (usually with fair skin and blue eyes).

No one is quite sure if there’s a link between the two, and it seems unclear how the word came to mean “beer” in the first place.

¿Quieres tomar unas chelas ? (Do you want to have a few beers?)

A tira  is a “strip,” but when you use it as a Mexican slang word, you mean  the cops.

¡Aguas! ¡Ahí viene la tira ! (Watch out! The fuzz are coming!)

This is used in Mexico in place of ¿qué? or ¿cómo? to respond when someone says your name.

Luis, ¿estás allí? (Luis, are you there?)

¿ Mande ? ¿Me llamaste? (What? Did you call me?)

Technically, suave  translates to “soft,” but  suave  is a way to say “cool.”

¡Ese mural es suave ! (That mural is cool!)

This literally means “slouch,” but it’s used to say something is mean or ugly . 

Enrique es gacho . (Enrique is mean.)

Andar  means “to walk,” so  ándale  is a shortened version of the verb combined with the suffix “- le ,” a sort of grammatical placeholder that adds no meaning to the word.

Use this to tell someone to hurry up . 

¡ Ándale ! Necesitamos estar ahi a las 8. (Hurry up! We need to be there at 8.)

Chale  doesn’t really have a clear literal translation, but it’s most often used to show your annoyance. 

It’s similar to the English “give me a break.”

Su coche tardará dos semanas en arreglarse. (Your car will take two weeks to fix.)

¡Chale!   (Give me a break!)

Chamba and chambear mean “work”  and “to work,” respectively.

No me gusta mi chamba. (I don’t like my job.)

The word bronca means “problem,” and it’s used in expressions like no hay bronca (“no problem”) and tengo broncotas (“I’m in big trouble”).

Mi familia tiene broncas con mi hermano. (My family has problems with my brother.)

Though the official word for “favor” in Spanish is the cognate favor, paro is another way of referring to a favor in Mexico.

Hazme el paro means “do me a favor.”

Puedes hacerme el  paro ? (Can you do me a favor?)

Though “cool” in Spanish is commonly expressed as genial , chido is a colloquial way of describing something as cool or awesome in Mexican slang.

Esa película estuvo bien chida . (That movie was really cool!)

Similar to chido , padre is another slang term used to convey that something is awesome or great.

¡La fiesta estuvo bien padre ! (The party was really awesome!)

Chingón is an informal term used to describe something or someone as extraordinary, impressive, or badass.

¡Ese tatuaje está bien chingón ! (That tattoo is really badass!)

Chamba is a slang term used to refer to work or a job.

Tengo mucha chamba esta semana . (I have a lot of work this week.)

Vato is a slang term for a guy or dude.

Ese vato es muy amable . (That guy is very friendly.)

Morro is an informal term for a young boy.

Mi hermanito es un buen morro . (My little brother is a good kid.)

Jefa and jefo, which both mean “boss” are just informal terms for “mom” and “dad.”

Mi jefa siempre cocina delicioso . (My mom always cooks deliciously.)

Vieja and viejo , which technically mean “old,” are similar to the English saying of “old man,” referring to a boyfriend, or “old lady,” referring to one’s girlfriend or wife.

Salí con mi vieja al cine . (I went to the movies with my girlfriend.)

Carnalito is a diminutive form of carnal , referring to a younger brother.

Mi carnalito siempre quiere jugar . (My little brother always wants to play.)

Chiquitín is an affectionate term for someone small or younger.

¡Hola, chiquitín ! ¿Cómo estás? (Hi, little one! How are you?)

These are affectionate slang terms for a young man or young woman.

Ese chavito es muy talentoso . (That young guy is very talented.)

Camión which literally means “truck,” is a colloquial term for a bus.

Voy a tomar el camión a la escuela . (I’m going to take the bus to school.)

Chulear  literally means “to pimp,” but in Mexico, it’s a verb used to describe showing off or flaunting something.

Deja de chulear tu nuevo auto . (Stop showing off your new car.)

Here’s a great explanation of  chulear  (in Spanish):

Chingar is a versatile verb with various meanings, but it can be used to express annoyance or bother.

No me chingues , estoy ocupado . (Don’t bother me; I’m busy.)

Estrenar is a verb used when someone wears or uses something for the first time.

Voy a estrenar mis zapatos nuevos hoy .

This expression is an informal way to express disgust or dislike, similar to saying “yuck” in English.

¡ Guacala ! Esta comida no tiene buen sabor . (Yuck! This food doesn’t taste good.)

Used to describe someone who is lazy, this term is derived from the word huevo, meaning “egg,” which is associated with laziness.

Mi amigo es muy huevón , siempre está descansando . (My friend is very lazy, he’s always resting.)

While the standard term for “car” is coche , jato is a slang word used in Mexico to refer to a car or automobile.

Vamos en mi jato al cine esta noche . (Let’s go to the movies in my car tonight.)

Used as a term of endearment, mamacita refers to an attractive or beautiful woman.

¡Ay, mamacita , estás muy guapa hoy! (Oh, beautiful, you look very pretty today!)

This slang term is used to refer to money, similar to saying “cash” in English.

Necesito un poco de pisto para el transporte . (I need some cash for transportation.)

An informal and colloquial way of asking “what’s up?” or “what’s going on?”

¿ Qué pex, cómo estás? (What’s up, how are you?)

Used to refer to a song or piece of music, rola is a common slang term in Mexican Spanish.

Esta rola es mi favorita. (This song is my favorite.)

An alternative and informal way of asking “what’s up?”

Sapbe , nos vemos en el centro . (What’s up, see you downtown.)

Literally meaning “brave,” this slang term simply means “good friend.”

Mi valedor siempre está allí para ayudarme . (My friend is always there to help me.)

Describes someone as a crazy or wild guy, often used in a lighthearted or affectionate manner.

Mi amigo es un vato loco , siempre hace cosas divertidas . (My friend is a crazy guy, always doing funny things.)

Wacha , which is taken from the English “watch,” is an informal and colloquial way of saying “look” or “watch.”

Wacha esa película, está buenísima . (Look at that movie, it’s really good.)

This expression is used to convey that a difficult or troublesome situation has arisen. It literally means “the clown has already killed us.”

Se nos olvidaron las entradas, ya nos cargó el payaso . (We forgot the tickets, we’re in trouble.)

An informal term used to refer to a friend or buddy, indicating camaraderie.

Ese cuate siempre me ayuda cuando lo necesito . (That buddy always helps me when I need it.)

Used to refer to someone’s face, especially when expressing a negative emotion. It’s just like the English “mug.”

No me gusta su jeta , siempre está enojado . (I don’t like his face, he’s always angry.)

This slang term is used to describe a strong hit or punch.

Le di un madrazo al balón y entró en la portería . (I gave the ball a strong hit and it went into the goal.)

This slang term, literally “cheek,” is used informally to refer to this part of the body.

Le dieron un golpe en la nalga . (They gave him a hit on the buttocks.)

Although “dark-skinned person” is a direct translation, ñero is a colloquial term used in some regions to describe someone with a dark complexion. Be careful not to offend with this one.

No importa si eres ñero o güero, todos somos iguales . (It doesn’t matter if you’re dark-skinned or fair-skinned, we are all equal.)

Pacheco is often used in Mexico to describe someone who is intoxicated or inebriated.

No puedo hablar con él cuando está pacheco . (I can’t talk to him when he’s drunk.)

Go deeper into  pacheco  here:

Literally meaning “pirate,” this term is often used in Mexican slang to describe counterfeit or knockoff items.

No compres ese reloj, es pirata . (Don’t buy that watch, it’s fake.)

This literally means “relax,” but in Mexican slang, it means a mess, or a chaotic or disorderly situation.

No quiero más relajo en casa . (I don’t want more mess in the house.)

This slang term for a belt is often used in casual or regional contexts.

Me apreté la riata para que no se me cayera el pantalón . (I tightened the belt so my pants wouldn’t fall.)

Literally meaning “envelopes,” this term means “I got it,” a casual way of expressing understanding or acknowledgment.

—¿Vamos al cine mañana? —¡ Sobres ! (Are we going to the movies tomorrow? – Okay, got it!)

While “covered” is the direct translation, tapado is a slang term used in some regions to describe someone who is arrogant or full of themselves.

No me gusta hablar con él, está muy tapado . (I don’t like talking to him, he’s very conceited.)

Instead of the standard camión , troca is commonly used in Mexico to refer to a pickup truck or a large vehicle.

Vamos a cargar la troca con las cosas para la mudanza . (Let’s load the truck with the things for the move.)

Zarape specifically refers to a colorful Mexican blanket or shawl often used for warmth or decoration.

Me envolví en el zarape porque hacía frío . (I wrapped myself in the blanket because it was cold.)

Check out this video to hear some of these Mexican slang words in context:

Here’s some good things to know about Mexican Spanish:

• In Mexican Spanish, the pronoun t ú is used for the second-person familiar form.  Mexicans don’t use v os . 
• The pronoun vosotros isn’t used in Mexican Spanish. Mexicans use ustedes even in informal settings.
• Mexican Spanish features more loanwords from English than other national dialects.  You will hear a lot more English words in Mexican Spanish than other dialects.

This is a compact volume filled with definitions, example sentences, online links and lots of relevant information about Mexican Spanish.

There are more than 500 words and phrases included in this book. 

“Mexislang” is the end result of a blog that was intended to teach readers about Mexican slang. 

It offers insight into the history of slang expressions  and tips for how to use each word or phrase.

The option to stay with Mexican families to immerse in the language is a great way to learn about culture—including slang!

But if you’re not up for traveling, courses are also available in online one-on-one or small group format.

Online classes focus on grammar and conversational skills, so you’re sure to pick up plenty of slang along the way.

Also, they have a fantastic blog that’s both informative and entertaining.

Like with English, Spanish is spoken differently depending on the country—in fact, you could argue that Spanish differs even more than English!

In order to understand and be understood in Mexican Spanish, it’s pretty essential that you learn some common Mexican slang. 

If you’re not convinced, here are some reasons you might want to learn the lingo:

• To avoid awkward situations.  Don’t count on every Spanish word being transferable from place to place—something that is perfectly polite in Spanish from Spain could be considered rude in Mexican Spanish.
• If you’re learning Spanish in the United States. Considering that the States has such a huge Mexican population, chances are that you’ll encounter lots of Mexican Spanish speakers!
• For travel in Mexico.  For both safety reasons and to ensure smooth travels, it’s a good idea to brush up on your slang.
• To sound more fluent.  Of course, learning slang words is one of the surest ways of making your Spanish sound more natural and fluent!

Slang is perfect for instantly turning “program” Spanish into street Spanish.

More importantly, they offer insight into some cultural nuances that language learners don’t always get to see.

Use slangy terms to power up conversations and go from basic to vivid in a heartbeat!

If you've made it this far that means you probably enjoy learning Spanish with engaging material and will then love FluentU .

Other sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the Spanish language and culture over time. You’ll learn Spanish as it’s actually spoken by real people.

FluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:

FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive transcripts. You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used. If you see an interesting word you don’t know, you can add it to a vocab list.

Review a complete interactive transcript under the Dialogue tab, and find words and phrases listed under Vocab .

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU’s robust learning engine. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you’re learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they’re learning with the same video.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

The 121 Best Spanish Slang Words And Phrases to Sound Like a Native

Most Spanish speakers use many slang words in their daily conversations. The worldwide geographical distribution of Spanish speakers complicates matters even further; even for native speakers, it can be difficult to understand Spanish slang from other Spanish-speaking countries. 

Check out this great video from Spring Languages (a platform I’m a co-founder) where Juan teaches you some of the most important Spanish slangs Latinos use.

In this article, you’ll discover the most important Spanish slang expressions with example sentences. Use them and you’ll sound just like a native speaker.

1. Essential Spanish Slang Chunks

It’s not surprising that Spanish slang phrases are highly dependent on the region.

For example, in Spain you can say ¡ Cómo mola !  to say something is cool.

What is 1 Spanish Mexican slang word? Well, if you’re in Mexico, you could say  Está bien chido .  to express something is cool. 

More Mexican slang in this video with teacher Paulísima from Spring Spanish , a YouTube Channel and language learning platform I co-founded.

Let’s see a list of Spanish slang chunks you can’t miss having in your vocabulary. 

Spanish Slang Chunks for Everyday Situations

Now, let’s see a short story with all Spanish phrases to understand how a native speaker would use them. 

• Tienes que ponerte las pilas Raul. Sino, te botaran del trabajo, Marcos habla hasta por los codos pero siempre quiere echarte una mano . No desperdicies la oportunidad que tienes. Aunque Marcos parece ser del año de la pera , jamás ha dejado plantado a alguien . 
• (You have to step it up, Raul. Otherwise they’ll fire you, Marco is very talkative but is always willing to help you out. Don’t waste this opportunity. Even though Marcos seems very old, he has never stood anyone up.)

There you go, a full monologue based on Spanish slang chunks.

For non-natives, understanding that monologue can be pretty difficult. But, thankfully, you have made the right decision.

Spanish Slang Words for Friend

In some cases, native speakers use  ponerse las pilas  to say that you need to find motivation and move on. Sometimes, it might also might that you have to get to work. 

The slang phrase  Hablar hasta por los codos  is quite common in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico. 

If you ever visit one of those countries and you’re very talkative, people will definitely tell you that. 

Struggling to pronounce Spanish slang? One of the best resources I’ve come across to improve your pronunciation is Speechling  . Speechling allows you to record your pronunciation and your recordings will be sent to a human coach, who will provide feedback on your listening skills and your pronunciation so that you’ll know what are your strengths and weaknesses with oral Spanish. I’ve used the platform myself to work on my Spanish and you get a free allowance of recordings and feedback every month 🙂 Give it a try!

Spanish Slang Words for Partner

Of course, there are more Spanish slang chunks like the ones below. But, these, in some countries, aren’t that popular.

Spanish Slang Chunks for Native-level speaking

Apart from learning Spanish slang phrases, it’s really important to get familiar with single Spanish slang words. As you already know their use depends on the region or country. Let’s see a few of the most popular words. 

Spanish slang phrases in Spanish-speaking countries

To give you an idea, here’s how to ask “Can you do me a favor?”  in different Spanish-speaking countries:

• ¿Me haces una vuelta?
• ¿Me puedes hacer un catorce?
• Necesito me hagas un paro
• ¿Me puedes hacer un favor?

Fun fact : although geographically, Colombia and Venezuela are right next to each other, their slang expressions and chunks are quite different. Spanish slang can even change from city to city within the same country. 

For example, here’s another video from Spring Spanish where we compare slang from Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela:

Spanish Slang Phrases for Family

2. country-specific spanish slangs.

Of course, the fascinating world of Spanish slangs might differ depending on where you’re in the world. These unique expressions will take you on a journey through the vibrant and colorful streets of Spain, Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico!

Don’t wait any longer – let’s explore the authentic world of country-specific Spanish slangs together!

Spanish Slang (🇪🇸)

Venezuelan slang (🇻🇪), colombian slang (🇨🇴), mexican slang (🇲🇽), 3. why you need to know and use the spanish slang phrases.

Learning Spanish slang words will help you to: 

• communicate in a natural and efficient way with locals
• understand Spanish memes, jokes, and popular local phrases
• travel through Spain and Latin American countries with ease

You don’t have to learn all Spanish slang, of course, but I recommend you learn some essential slang words that’ll help you discover more about Spanish culture and blend in with native speakers.

Another possible way to learn slangs is to check out the best Spanish shows on Netflix and listen carefully to the conversations the characters have.

4. Practice Section – Translate These Slangs (+Downloadable PDF)

Now that you’ve learned some basic Spanish slangs, it’s time to practice them! Translate the following slangs into English with flashcards!

Plus, if you want to learn the Top 100 Spanish Slangs All-in-One, check out our free Practice Worksheets!

5. Learn Spanish Slang and Speak Like a Native With Conversation Based Chunking!

Learning Spanish slang  will help you to communicate when traveling, meeting new people from different countries and more. Adding these phrases to your toolbox will make you sound less like a textbook and more like a native speaker. 

The easiest way to learn slang phrases (and Spanish in general) is through a method called Conversation Based Chunking™ . This method (I’ve written a book on it too) is used by hundreds of thousands of students around the world with great success. 

If you want to get fluent in Spanish, I recommend you check out the free starter pack and start implementing the methodology in your studies.

Lukas is the founder of Effortless Conversations and the creator of the Conversation Based Chunking™ method for learning languages. He's a linguist and wrote a popular book about learning languages through "chunks". He also co-founded the language education company Spring Languages, which creates online language courses and YouTube content.

Similar Posts

A Comprehensive Guide to Spanish Pronouns: Remember the 9 types of pronouns in Spanish

This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the 9 types of Spanish pronouns, starting from subject pronouns to prepositional pronouns. Personal pronouns are the easiest…

4 ways to say you in Spanish – formal and informal Spanish examples

In the complexities of Spanish language, understanding the differences between the formal and informal you is not just a matter of grammar, but of real-life…

50 Inspirational Quotes in Spanish: Love, Birthday & Life Spanish Quotes with English Translations

Looking for a spark of inspiration or a heartfelt quote to share? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our collection of 50…

Top 50+ regular verbs in Spanish: Ultimate guide to Spanish verb conjugation

In this blog post, we introduce you to the world of Spanish verb conjugation. Mastering regular verb conjugation will help you to communicate better and…

8 Ways to Say Cool in Spanish: Follow the Latest Spanish Slang Words and Phrases

Learning how to say cool in Spanish using the latest slang words and phrases is an excellent way to sound more natural and connect with…

Cuban Slang: 20 Cuban Slang Words and Phrases Natives Use All the Time

Cuba is a country with a rich history and culture which is reflected in its unique way of speaking. The Spanish language as spoken in…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All the Spanish Internet & Text Slang You Need to Know

The days when your Spanish writing skills were only used for penning a letter or finishing an essay are over — now we’re sending texts and posting on social media instead.

To transfer your formal writing skills into the digital age, you’ll need to pick up some common Spanish internet slang. Master these words and phrases so you can keep up with your group texts and Spanish friends’ Instagram comments and DMs.

Shorter words

Similar to how we shorten words in English to save space and time typing on your phone, you’ll find when texting your Spanish-speaking friends that some words lose a few letters.

If a word begins with es, like estoy or esta , you can drop the first two letters for a more succinct message. Estoy becomes toy and esta bien is often written as ta b.

Other common words like que, which can mean both what and which, are frequently shortened to just q when written online , and usually connotes confusion.

Gracias can be written as grx or grax , and a combination of bien and bueno is often used in Spanish internet slang as bno, usually to express agreement.

Letter swap

You’ll also often see letters switched around — the most common example is the letters q and c, which both become k. The word que alone can be written as k or q , so quiero becomes kiero, and aquí becomes aki.

The letter x is also common in Spanish text slang, and usually stands in for the word por. Por favor can be written as xfa , and porque is xq. The word para is also shortened with an x and written as xa, so para que might appear in a text as xa q.

X also commonly replaces the letters ch in Spanish internet slang. Mucho can be written as mxo and chau as xau.

Abbreviations

In English, you’re probably familiar with abbreviations like TTYL that are used in most online communication. Spanish internet speak has its own abbreviated phrases, which can help you text and message online like a local. Keep in mind that some well-known English text abbreviations like LOL and OMG are also used in Spanish.

Te quiero mucho = TQM or TKM

Tqm can be used in a light-hearted and casual way to express your affection for whoever happens to be on the other end of the message. It’s less formal than te amo, and might be used colloquially with friends or someone you’re in a relationship with.

Besito = BST

Te amo mucho = TAM

Para tu información = PTI

Entonces = ntnc/tonces

Genial = gnl

Callate = kyat

Fin de semana = fin d

Estoy muerto = KO

Venis = VNS

Tengo que irme = TQI/TKI

No pasa nada = NPN

Verdad = vrd/vdd

This abbreviation can be used to simply mean true or truth, but also can act similarly to the word “right” in English at the end of a sentence.

No te preocupes = ntp

Vienes = vns

If you made plans to meet a friend and they haven’t arrived yet, vns is a common way of asking where they are, similar to wya in English internet slang.

Gracias por invitar = GPI

Numbers and symbols

You might be familiar with the way that symbols can stand in for letters in English, and the same is true for Spanish! Rather than writing saludos to greet your Spanish friends, try salu2 instead.

Similarly, you can replace cien with 100, as they’re the same pronunciation when read aloud. You can write recién as re100 , or siempre as 100pre.

Jokes aside

Just as you might respond to a friend’s text with hahaha in English, Spanish speakers use jajajaja, jejejeje, or jijijiji.

Whether you want to keep up with a group chat or are trying to understand your Spanish-speaking friends’ social media pages, these slang phrases and spellings are sure to be useful. Practice texting like a local and use your Spanish skills on your own social media accounts!

Quinn Gawronski

Recent posts, the rising demand for customized corporate language training, mastering languages at home, 5 essential reasons for corporations to invest in language training, international dragon legends for the year of the dragon, what i've learned in two years of living abroad.

You Might Be Interested In

7 wild rabbit idioms in 7 languages, the many languages of the usa.

24 Spanish Slang Terms Commonly Used By Native Speakers

• Read time 13 mins

Sounding like a fluent Spanish speaker requires a mastery of Spanish verbs , a wide Spanish vocabulary and, believe it or not, a little bit of slang!

Although they don’t always teach you the full range of colloquial terms in Spanish classes and schools, slang words and phrases are a staple of social interactions and are used abundantly in conversations between friends.

You might therefore be feeling a bit like an outsider among native speakers if you’re just getting used to Spanish slang, but ¡no te preocupes!

With this list of commonly used Spanish slang words and phrases you’ll soon be able to catch some of the quirkier expressions, slang phrases and colloquialisms that are used by the natives.

Why is Spanish slang important and when should it be used?

Spanish slang is important for various reasons.

Not only does using certain phrases help you sound like a native Spanish speaker, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in informal dialogues and understand the more subtle, nuanced meanings of conversations between friends.

Because, just like Spanish greetings , context is key and dictates how you should speak with others, you should always be aware of who you are speaking to and who else might be present when using Spanish slang.

After all, you wouldn’t address your boss or in-laws with the word ‘mate’, would you? 😊

A good friend might use a range of slang terms when they speak to you because they are familiar with you. You’re their tío / tía (in this context, good friend/dude), and the context is informal. They know that you’ll completely understand their intended meaning because they’ve known you for a very long time.

Native speakers reserve their Spanish slang for the right conversations and the right people, and that’s exactly what you should do as well.

Now you know why Spanish slang is important, here is our list of Spanish slang words, phrases and colloquial expressions that you’ll frequently hear from native Spanish speakers.

Take a look — which ones have you heard recently?

Spanish slang phrases that have negative connotations (and insults)

Sometimes you’ll need a slang word that conveys a negative meaning, or to express how annoyed something has made you feel. These are some of the common colloquial Spanish words and phrases that have a negative connotation behind them.

They might help you vent your frustration, but always consider the context in which you use them!

Ser un pijo/ser una pija (to be a brat/spoiled)

This slang phrase is used by Spaniards when referring to a ‘posh’, ‘snobby’ person who might have inherited a lot of money and gained their wealth without working very hard. When using this slang term, be careful!

In some Spanish speaking countries un pijo can mean ‘penis’. 🤣

Usage example:

Que no seas una pija. No te comprare nada mas.

Ser cutre (to be stingy)

The Spanish slang term cutre refers to someone who supposedly never has any money.

They are ‘stingy’ when it comes to covering the tab, so you can bet that a person who is cutre will never offer to pay for a round of drinks.

Nunca me ha regalado nada en toda mi vida. Es que, es tan cutre.

Joder (shit, f**k)

This slang term is also a palabrota or swear word , which has a range of meanings. Commonly exclaimed when someone wants to express their annoyance or disapproval, joder is a word that you’ll frequently hear in Spanish movies.

If your friend says it, you’ll know they’re irritated, upset or angry.

¡Joder! El Barca ha perdido el partido. ¿Pero, como es posible?

Es una cotilla (he’s/she’s a busybody, a snooper)

This Spanish slang phrase is an epithet used to describe someone who gossips a lot or knows too much about other people’s lives.

Chances are, if you’re in Spain, you’ll probably have a vecino (neighbour), who is a typical cotilla .

Mi vecina es una cotilla. Está siempre escuchando los escándalos de la gente.

Caray/caramba (damn)

We use the Spanish slang term caray , which is short for caramba , when we’re shocked, annoyed or appalled by something unjust that might have happened.

If someone is constantly nagging or nitpicking, and you feel frustrated by it, you might use this term to express how annoyed you are.

¡Cállate mujer, caray! Que no seas una cotilla. Siempre hablas demasiado.

Estar en la luna (absent-minded)

Though this Spanish slang term literally means ‘to be at the moon’, we use it to describe someone who is figuratively a million miles away or ‘absent-minded’.

If you’re en la luna , it means you are not focused or concentrating at that moment.

Pero, estáis en la luna hoy. No me estáis escuchando.

Tirar la toalla (concede/surrender)

This Spanish slang phrase might bring to mind the English expression ‘throw in the towel’, as the Spanish noun toalla translates as ‘towel’.

As with the English phrase, it means that you plan to abandon a difficult task or to admit you’ve been beaten by an impossible challenge.

Es la hora de tirar la toalla. No me puedes vencer ahora.

Me cae mal/me cae gordo (he/she annoys me)

We use this Spanish phrase to describe someone who has given you a bad impression of themselves — or to refer to someone who annoys you.

The phrase me cae gordo similarly conveys this meaning, and can also refer to the bad gut feeling or intuition a person gave you.

Este tío me cae mal. Es muy presumido y arrogante. No sabe cuando callarse.

Spanish slang phrases that have positive connotations

There are so many occasions where you’ll need to express your respect for someone, to address your group of friends with a positive or inclusive phrase, or use a term that shows how much you admire them.

Check out these Spanish slang terms that connote positivity or admiration.

Ser mono/ser mona/eres tan mono (to be adorable, cute)

Don’t get confused by this Spanish slang phrase — while mono translates as ‘monkey’, when used with the verb ser its meaning changes.

We use the colloquial adjective ser mono / mona to refer to someone who is cute or adorable.

Mira, ¡eres tan mono y precioso que no tengo palabras!

Molar/cómo mola (cool)

This common Spanish word is heard everywhere in Spain! Used in a similar way to the phrase que guay , something described with the word molar is ‘awesome’ or ‘cool’.

Este coche es muy grande. Tiene mucho espacio. ¡Cómo mola!

Guay (cool)

Guay is another Spanish slang term for ‘cool’. With young people using it frequently, you’ll hear it everywhere in Spain.

Like the word mola , it’s a common word that can be used to compliment a situation or express admiration for someone on account of how amazing they are.

Que guay, tío. Me alegro que estéis mas felices que antes.

Tío/tía (dude, chico, chica)

In Spain, you’ll hear young people referring to their friends as tío / tía all the time.

A direct translation would give you the word ‘uncle’ or ‘aunty’, but among friends it means ‘dude’ or ‘mate’.

¡Has comprado una casa! Pues, que guay, ¡tío!

Chaval/chavala/chavales (guys)

There are many meanings to this Spanish slang term. The phrase ser un chaval refers to someone who is young in terms of their attitude.

It has connotations of being inexperienced or naïve, but it’s also a colloquial term used between friends meaning ‘dude’ or ‘guys’.

¿Que pasa chavales? ¿Ya estáis cenando? Llegare dentro de cinco minutos.

Qué chulo/chula (how cool, how stylish)

If something is described as chulo / chula , we mean that object is cool, stylish or amazing.

It’s a compliment, so you can use this slang phrase to express how much you like your friend’s new iPhone or their new car.

¡Tienes botas muy chulas! ¡Que envidia!

Hincar los codos/voy a hincar los codos (to study a lot)

Have you pulled an all-nighter before an all-important exam? The Spanish slang phrase you’ll need to convey just that is hincar los codos .

It means ‘study hard’ and might bring to mind the English expressions ‘put some elbow grease into it’ or ‘roll your sleeves up’ because your codos are your elbows in English.

Quiere aprobar el examen de ciencias. Tiene que hincar los codos.

Es la leche (it’s awesome/amazing)

It’s easy to get confused by the many Spanish terms that feature the word leche or milk. A person might be in a bad mood, in which case you might say está de mala leche. But in this context, the slang term es la leche refers to how amazing something is.

That really cool book you finished reading last week — if it was fantastic and resonated with you, you might describe it as la leche .

Hombre, esta peli es la leche. A mi me gustó un montón.

Spanish slang terms for amazement, shock or disgust

If something has stunned you silent and you just don’t know how to express your feelings, these Spanish slang words might describe the situation perfectly.

Take a look at these colloquial expressions that are frequently used by native Spanish speakers when there simply are no ideal words.

Hostia/la hostia (wow, no way!)

Though the word hostia is literally the Spanish term for the wafer given to you during communion, it also means ‘my God!’ and is commonly used to express shock or complete surprise caused by something or someone.

¡Hostia! Que barbaridad, los politcos siempre son corruptos.

Ostras (wow, oh my!)

If you’re looking for a way to express your shock and surprise in a ‘non-blasphemous’ way, the Spanish slang term ostras is one option.

It is the same as exclaiming hostia , and conveys the same meaning, but is an expression typically used to avoid saying ‘oh my God’.

¡Ostras! Tienes mucho dinero. ¿Que vas a hacer con eso?

Flipar/te vas a flipar (freak out, go nuts)

Flipar is a Spanish slang expression that conveys shock or astonishment. It means ‘go crazy’ and can be used in a range of contexts. You might have discovered that someone is having an affair.

Or perhaps someone you know has suddenly inherited a fortune…

The phrase you’re going to need if you’re going to tell someone about that shocking news is te vas a flipar .

You’re going to freak out… I’m going to marry her!

Estar como una cabra (he’s/she’s nuts)

Though this slang term literally translates to English as ‘to be like a goat’, in Spain we use this phrase to refer to or describe someone who is totally crazy or behaving in a peculiar, silly way!

¿Pero, está borracho? ¡Está como una cabra!

Other frequently used Spanish slang terms

The world of Spanish slang is vast and varied. There are so many colloquial terms that Spaniards use on a daily basis.

We’ve only scratched the surface! Here are a few more that might be of interest to you.

Me piro/pirarse (I’m leaving)

The full phrase sometimes used by Spanish speakers is me piro vampiro . It’s a funny slang term similar to ‘see you later alligator’.

The verb pirarse means ‘to leave’, so if you want to decline an invitation from your friends to go for more drinks later in the evening you can say lo siento, me piro.

No tengo ganas de ir a la fiesta. Lo siento, me piro.

Tomarse el pelo (pulling someone’s leg/having you on)

The literal translation of tomarse el pelo would be ‘pulling my hair’, but this slang term is used when someone is teasing you or making fun of you.

Sin duda, hombre, esa mujer te estaba tomando el pelo. No puede ser que ella tenga 59 años.

Es un lío/liar (it’s a mess/screwed up)

We use the slang term es un lío when we’ve made a mistake or done something wrong.

One example of this could be if someone has an affair, which we would describe by using the verb liarse . If something is un lío we mean it’s a mess.

Es todo un lio. Esta vez, no creo que entienda.

Duro/no tengo un duro (penniless, broke)

Duro is a Spanish slang term that means ‘money’. If you don’t have any, you can say no tengo un duro.

Lo siento, no te puedo comprar la bici. No tengo un duro.

How can you sound like a native when using Spanish slang?

The key to sounding like a native — and to avoid using the wrong Spanish slang term — is not only to consult lists and examples, but to listen to native speakers and actually hear the colloquial terms used in context.

When in doubt, consider how the person speaking to you addresses you and analyse the way they speak.

By listening and taking note of the phrases they use, you’ll soon be able to use them yourself.

Every person is unique, though. You might not use the exact same Spanish slang terms as your friends on every occasion. But having a good knowledge of these common terms is important as it will enhance your understanding.

There are also some excellent Spanish courses and apps that cover slang terms in greater detail.

Did I miss any Spanish slang terms?

Comment below!

🎓 Cite article

Learning Spanish ?

Spanish Resources:

Let me help you learn spanish join the guild:.

Donovan Nagel - B. Th, MA AppLing

Bruna Misuno Child

Really nice article, thank you! I speak more Latin American Spanish so I didn’t know some of these words. Now I’m going to use both!

REPLY TO BRUNA MISUNO CHILD

• Affiliate Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy
• About The Mezzofanti Guild
• About Donovan Nagel
• Essential Language Tools
• Language Calculator

SOCIAL MEDIA

Current mission.

Let Me Help You Learn Spanish

• Get my exclusive Spanish content delivered straight to your inbox.
• Learn about the best Spanish language resources that I've personally test-driven.
• Get insider tips for learning Spanish.

Don’t fill this out if you're human:

No spam. Ever.

Learn How to Say Slang Words and Phrases in Spanish

Bienvenidos and welcome to your ultimate Spanish slang guide!

Today we will break down some of the most useful, common, and interesting slang words and phrases from Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.

First, we'll look at how to learn Spanish slang and why this is such an important aspect of language learning.

Then, we'll list Spanish and Mexican slang words that you should definitely add to your vocabulary.

Finally, we'll address some frequently asked questions about learning Spanish slang. By the end of this guide, you will be well-equipped to speak Spanish like a native!

See also: What is the Best Way to Learn Spanish?

Let's dive in.

Learning Spanish Slang Words

There are a lot of avenues to go down when you are learning formal Spanish, such as language classes, textbooks, language-learning apps like Duolingo, and online Spanish courses. However, most of these resources do not include many Spanish slang phrases.

So, if you want to develop this area of your knowledge and vocabulary, you'll need to branch out in your learning. A great way to pick up slang is by speaking to native people. You can visit Spain if you have the resources, or else do a language exchange online.

Talking to a native speaker is the best way to expose yourself to the language as it is used naturally in context. Depending on where your exchange partner is from, you will learn different local slang.

It's also an excellent idea to watch Spanish TV and movies and listen to Spanish music , radio stations , and podcasts. Visit Lingopie, the online streaming platform for Spanish-language content, if you'd like to learn Spanish slang while watching fun shows and movies.

This is one of the best ways to pick up slang in context and learn how to use it in an appropriate setting. Any exposure to native Spanish speakers using slang is important and very useful.

Why Learning Slang is So Important

Now that you know how to learn Spanish slang, let's talk about why you should.

For starters, getting to know the local slang is a great way for a Spanish learner to learn more about a country's culture, customs, values, and people. You can gain a lot of knowledge about a community based on its native language and develop a vocabulary that reflects local Spanish culture and attitudes.

Moreover, it's always the ultimate goal of a language learner to sound like a native. By incorporating colloquialisms and common Spanish slang into your speech, you will be able to use the language more naturally.

Understanding common Spanish slang terms is essential for following conversations better and keeping up in social situations. Moreover, you'll get more out of music, radio, podcasts, TV, and movies.

If you often find that you miss context and jokes go over your head, learning slang can help to bridge this gap in your comprehension.

So, without further ado, let's jump into our favorite slang words to use with your Spanish-speaking friends.

Spanish Slang Words and Phrases: A Rundown

Whether you're looking for useful and interesting Spanish slang phrases from Spain, Mexico, or other Spanish-speaking countries, we've got you.

European Spanish Slang

Tío/tía ¿qué pasa.

Tío and tía are Spanish slang for "dude" and "girl", while ¿qué pasa? is an informal way to ask "what's up?", so the phrase is "dude, what's up? Use this greeting with friends in a casual setting.

Note that tío and tía actually mean "uncle" and "aunt" in Spanish, but in Spain, they are more often used as a colloquial way to say "guy", "dude", "girl", "chick" and so on.

¿Cómo te va?

This is another way to ask "what's up?" or "how's it going?" colloquially.

Estar como una cabra

This Spanish slang expression literally means "to be like a goat", but it is used colloquially to mean "to be crazy". It is similar to the English expression "to be nuts".

This slang word is used to describe people as snobby, stuck up, or spoiled.

See una fresa in "Mexican Slang Words" for the equivalent Mexican slang term.

Ir a su bola

When someone is minding their own business or doing their own thing, you can say él va a su bola , or "he's doing his thing".

Es una mierda

You cannot learn Spanish slang without learning at least one curse word! Mierda means sh*t, and this saying can be translated as "it's a piece of sh*t", "it's crap" or "it sucks".

A native Spanish speaker might use es una mierda to refer to a situation that is rubbish or an item or food that is of low quality. La comida es una mierda is "food is bad quality/ crap".

¡Qué mala pata!

If something unfortunate happens, you can say "what a bad paw", meaning "what bad luck". This comes from the Spanish superstition that carrying a rabbit's leg, or pata , brings good luck.

Ser la leche

If something es la leche , it is "cool" or "great". This phrase can also be used to say él piensa que es la leche, "he thinks he's all that", which in this context would be a negative attribute.

Me cago en la leche

Unlike ser la leche , when native speakers say "I sh*t in the milk", this is definitely not a good thing! This unusual phrase means "f*cking sh*t", "bloody hell" or "motherf*cker". It is used to express extreme disappointment or shock at a negative situation.

La mala leche

This phrase literally translates as "to have bad milk", but figuratively, it is used in Spain and different Latin American countries to mean various things, depending on where you are and how you use it.

In Spain, if you say tener mala leche , it means that someone acts in bad faith, while if you say estar de mala leche , this means that a person is in a bad mood.

See la mala leche in "Other Latin American Slang" for different definitions.

Mexican Slang Words

Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, so it is only fair to dedicate a section to slang specific to this culture-rich country.

Mexican Spanish has distinct accents , dialects, and commonly used phrases. Let's have a look at some of the most useful Mexican Spanish sayings.

This Mexican Spanish slang greeting means "hey dude". Güey, meaning "buddy", "mate" etc., is often used as a filler word in conversations in Mexico.

¡No manches!/ ¡No mames!

To express shock or disbelief, you can use either of these colloquial expressions the same way. They can both be positive or negative depending on the context and tone of voice.

The literal translation of no manches is "do not stain", however, it is used as "no way" or "holy cow" in colloquial Mexican.

No mames is a little cruder, as it literally means "do not suck". You will hear güey, no mames in Mexico when someone wants to say "dude, don't mess with me".

This is an interjection used in Mexico to express surprise and disappointment. It is rather like the English sayings "give me a break!" or "you're kidding!"

If you watch a lot of Mexican TV, you might have heard someone be referred to as a pendejo . This is a useful Mexican slang term that literally means "pubic hair" but is used commonly in Mexico to mean "dickhead".

Referring to someone as "a strawberry" in Mexico implies that they are snobby, pretentious, and privileged. Nonetheless, this kind of person is looked up to by poorer Mexican young people.

This slang word means "truth". Saying la neta is like asking "really?" or emphasizing something. La neta te amo is "the truth is I love you".

¡Qué padre!

There are a few ways to express delight about a situation switch your Mexican friends, and this is one of them. This Mexican Spanish slang phrase means "how cool!", "that's great!" or "nice!" Its literal translation is "what father", but obviously this is not how it is used.

This phrase means "what a wave" when translated literally, but in Mexico, it is a very common way to greet someone and it is used as "what's up?" This phrase might have a Mexican origin, but you can also use ¡qué onda! in Argentina and Chile.

Buena onda/ Mala onda

In Mexican slang, onda , which means "wave" is also used to describe someone's personality. If someone is buena onda, they are cool or nice, and on the flip side, if ella es mala onda , "she is not cool".

Spanish speakers from other Spanish-speaking countries will understand if you use onda in this way, but it is not common outside of Mexico.

¡Qué buena onda!/ ¡Qué mala onda! : Mexicans also use "what a good wave/ what a bad wave" to express their feelings about a situation. While qué buena onda is used to express "how cool!" or "so cool!", qué mala onda means "too bad", "how bad" or "uncool".

Other Latin American Slang

Across other Latin American countries , there is a range of extremely helpful slang. We will briefly touch on some notable examples.

Mae, pura vida

This is slang from Costa Rica that means "mate, how's it going?". You can reply with pura vida to mean "it's going good".

Pura vida is a super general term that can also be used to express thanks, good vibes, and any other positive greeting or farewell. This saying is very specific to Costa Rica and it can be used all over the country.

Estar asado

In Peru, you can express your anger by saying you are "roasted". No me hables, estoy asado means "don't talk to me, I'm angry." In other dialects across Latin America, you can say estoy enojado/a, while in Spain, you would say estoy enfadado/a.

Estar prendido

Prendido is a super useful slang word. This phrase means "to be lit" or "to be buzzed". Used in Colombia, Panamá, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, you can say estoy prendido/a if you are drunk, but in a positive way. It implies you are full of energy and good vibes.

We have seen that in Spain, this saying is used to describe someone with a bad temper or attitude. However, in Venezuela and Panamá, it is used to express mala suerte , or bad luck.

In Chile and Argentina, if someone has la mala leche , they have acted maliciously toward another person.

FAQs: Learning Spanish Slang

Which spanish slang words are the most useful to learn.

If you are planning a trip to Spain and want to learn some quick and useful slang, start with two commonly used words for cool: guay and chulo. Moreover, me flipa can be used like me gusta/ me encanta but it is a more colloquial way to say "I'm crazy about..." These simple words will have you sounding like an enthusiastic local!

Do I need to learn slang to visit a Spanish-Speaking country?

No, you do not absolutely need to learn Spanish slang to visit a country that uses Spanish, however, it is recommended. This will help you to understand social situations. It will also impress the locals when you use their own slang as it indicates that you appreciate their culture and language.

What does the slang word joder mean in Spain?

Joder is a swear word in Spain that can be translated as "sh*t" or "f*ck" depending on the context. It is commonly used in Spanish TV shows like La Casa de Papel and Elite. You can use joder in a light-hearted way with friends, or in anger in a serious situation.

Whether or not you intend to use Spanish curse words in day-to-day life, you will hear them if you visit Spain or Latin America, or watch Spanish TV and movies, so it is a good idea to understand the words and when to use them.

Summing Up: Spanish Slang and How to Learn It

Hopefully, this ultimate guide to Spanish slang words has inspired you to develop your informal Spanish vocabulary. The more you know about a country's slang, the better you know the culture and people.

We have provided a list of useful Spanish and Mexican slang, as well as some highlights from other countries in Latin America. Now, it's over to you to continue learning.

See also: Curse Words in the French Language: Using French Swear Words Like a Pro

Remember, if you want to expose yourself to more European Spanish or Mexican slang words, you can visit Lingopie to stream Spanish-language content. This is a great way to develop your colloquial vocab and learn to speak like a native.

¡Qué buena onda!

Lorena Macedo

Learn Spanish with Rosalía: What is Rosalía singing about?

What is the Best Way to Learn a Language? (A language learning guide)

You might also like.

How To Order Food In Spanish Like A Native?

Fruits in Spanish: A Flavorful Journey with 50 Examples

10 Spanish Poems to Learn Spanish

Learn Body Parts in Spanish

Get the secret guide to language learning with tv and music for free, browse posts by popular tags.

73 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases Explained in English

Spanish slang words, spanish slang phrases.

© vidalingua

• College Study Abroad
• College Study Abroad Blog

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You Need to Know

November 16, 2023

Programs for this blog post

Authored by:.

Heading on an incredible study abroad journey where the locals primarily speak in Spanish? Then you’ll want to know some common Spanish slang words and phrases ahead of time so you can fit right in in your new surroundings.  

¡Seguir a lo largo! 

What Countries Speak Spanish?  

There are many countries that speak Spanish throughout the world! And with the many CIEE Study Abroad options to choose from, you may find yourself in any of these Spanish-speaking locations :  

• Spain  
• Argentina  
• Chile  
• Costa Rica  
• Dominican Republic  
• Mexico   

And many others! There are many Spanish speakers around the world – not just in countries with Spanish as the official language. So, while you might not be expecting too much Spanish in France , Germany , Portugal , or Italy , you may be surprised by the number of Spanish slang words and phrases you’ll hear!  

Read More: The 6 Best Places to Learn Spanish Abroad  

Why Should You Learn Spanish Slang?  

Spanish is one of the top languages in the world – meaning a lot of people communicate in Spanish. As our world continues to be more globalized, having the ability to speak and communicate in other languages is incredibly valuable. Plus, being able to connect with others from different regions and cultures is a huge benefit, too.  

In addition to Spanish, learning Spanish slang is important. It’ll help you expand your Spanish vocabulary, help you sound like more of a native speaker, and better understand colloquial terms used in everyday conversation – deepening your language learning abilities and connections. Imagine trying to keep up with a conversation in English not knowing what terms like, “What’s up?” or “hang out” mean. It’d be challenging. Also – it’s fun! Who doesn’t want to learn exciting slang words and phrases?  

Let’s take a closer look at common Spanish slang words and phrases spoken in our study abroad Spanish-speaking destinations!  

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Spain 

Spain is fascinating. From Barcelona and Seville to Madrid and Alicante (and even more) you’ll have an incredible experience exploring Spanish cities packed with history, culture, architecture, and of course, deliciosa cuisine. Here are some common Spanish slang words to try using during a Spain study abroad program:  

• Guay means something cool or awesome 
• Vale is like the Spanish slang version of “okay” or “alright” 
• Cutre is used to describe something as poor quality or tacky 
• Currar is Spanish slang for work 
• Tía/tío officially means aunt or uncle but in Spanish slang, it refers to a friend, like “dude” or “buddy”  
• Majo refers to someone nice, friendly, or even attractive  
• Hombre officially translates to “man,” but in Spanish slang, it’s used as a term of endearment for a friend or relative  
• ¿Qué pasa? Translates to “What’s up” in Spanish slang 
• Qué fuerte is used when something is surprising or shocking, either positively or negatively  
• Estar como una cabra literally translates to “to be like a goat,” but in Spanish slang, refers to someone who’s a bit crazy 

Brush up on some of these Spanish slang words and phrases so you can communicate like a local in no time!  

EXPLORE SPAIN STUDY ABROAD  

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Argentina  

Argentina is a dream. With stunning natural landscapes, a flourishing arts community, a lively sports scene, and fascinating cultures and people, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime studying abroad in the country’s exciting capital, Buenos Aires .  

And while you adventure throughout Argentina, feasting your eyes on the Patagonia mountains, taking traditional dance lessons, and more, you’ll want to chat with the locals easily by better understanding common Spanish slang words and phrases!  

Take a look at 10 of them here:  

• Che means a casual “hey” or “What’s up” in Spanish slang 
• Boludo is a popular term in Argentina, meaning “buddy” or “dude,” but in a different context, can refer to someone as “stupid” or “foolish,” so be careful when using this one 
• Estar al horno translates literally to “to be cooked in an oven,” but in Spanish slang, it means someone is in trouble or in over their head  
• Tener mala leche literally translates to “to have bad milk” which means “bad luck” in Spanish slang  
• Buena onda the English equivalent of this Spanish slang word is “good vibes”   
• Tomátelo con soda translates to “take it with soda” but informally means “taking it easy” or “taking it slow” in Spanish slang  
• Tener fiaca refers to someone as being lazy  
• Mandar fruta translates literally to “to send fruit” but refers to someone who is being nonsensical or dodgy in Spanish slang  
• Ponerse las pilas literally translates to “to put in the batteries” and in Spanish slang, means to recharge, be alert, or get going 
• Groso refers to someone who is great or awesome  

Practice your Spanish slang in Argentina! 

EXPLORE ARGENTINA STUDY ABROAD    

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Chile 

Discover vibrant Chile in the country’s capital, Santiago . As a dynamic city with a growing economy, rich culture, and beautiful natural attractions, you’ll have a diverse experience exploring Chile. Not only will you enhance your Spanish language learning skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit urban centers, modern resort cities, the local art scene, beaches, recreation facilities, and more.  

Plus – they use some pretty fun Spanish slang words and phrases:  

• Cachai meaning “you know” or “you got me,” usually used at the end of a sentence 
• Pololo/polola referring to a boyfriend or girlfriend  
• Carrete means “party” in Spanish slang spoken in Chile  
• Fome is a term used to describe something as lame or boring  
• Taco actually doesn’t refer to the food, in Spanish slang this means being stuck in traffic  
• Luca the English equivalent of this Spanish slang word is “cash” or “bucks”  
• Bacán is used when describing someone or something as cool or awesome  
• Al lote refers to something as being chaotic or a mess  
• Flaite is Spanish slang for something that’s tacky  
• Cuico/cuica refers to someone who is wealthy or posh  

Keep familiarizing yourself with these popular Spanish slang words and phrases ahead of your travels to Chile!  

EXPLORE CHILE STUDY ABROAD  

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Costa Rica  

When you study abroad in Costa Rica, you’ll get to explore Monteverde , a small town known for its big-time conservation and eco-tourism efforts. Home to the Cloud Forest Reserve, you’ll get to study and work alongside professionals, examining the country’s 2,500+ species of plants, 60+ amphibian species, 100+ mammal species, 450+ bird species, and more. You’ll also get to hike, camp, and dive into Costa Rican culture with this incredible study abroad program.  

And, with all this hands-on adventure, you’re going to want to sound like a local, too! Examine the top 10 Spanish slang words and phrases spoken in Costa Rica:  

• Tico/tica is how many Costa Ricans refer to themselves  
• Mae means “dude” in Costa Rican Spanish slang  
• Pura vida means “pure life,” and can be used as a mantra or in everyday conversation, like as a replacement for “hello, how are you?” It’s also considered the national saying.  
• Diay/idiay is essentially a sentence filler and has a variety of meanings, including “what,” “um,” and even “and” 
• Tuanis means “cool” in Costa Rican Spanish slang  
• Brete is Spanish slang for a job  
• ¿Al chile? Meaning “Really?” or “Are you serious?”  
• ¡Qué chiva! Translates to “How cool!”  
• N.J./nos juimos the English equivalent of this Spanish slang word is “we’re outta here!” or “let’s go!”  
• Despiche refers to something as a big mess  

Start practicing your Spanish slang now before your Costa Rican adventures!  

EXPLORE COSTA RICA STUDY ABROAD    

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Dominican Republic 

The Dominican Republic is the perfect tropical study abroad destination. Boasting stunning beaches and national parks, exciting traditions (meringue anyone?), museums, markets, the arts, and even passionate baseball fans, there’s much to discover in the beautiful DR.  

As you expand your Spanish, take note of some common Spanish slang words used in the DR – so you can talk baseball properly, of course: 

• Vaina is a complex Spanish slang word; it can be used in a variety of ways including referring to something unknown, unpleasant, or even just a “thing”  
• Hartura refers to eating too much and being full, or even feeling overwhelmed 
• ¿Qué lo que? Means “What’s up” in Spanish slang  
• Nítido means cool or great  
• Guagua is Spanish slang for bus; they’re used frequently as transportation throughout the DR  
• Concho refers to another form of transportation, like a taxi  
• Chercha refers to a party or a good time  
• Un chin means “a little bit”  
• Dame dato the English equivalent of this Spanish slang word is “tell me about it” or “tell me more/details”  
• Pana meaning “buddy” or “dude;” a term of endearment for friends  

Start practicing your Spanish slang before diving into the Dominican Republic!

EXPLORE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC STUDY ABROAD    

Top 10 Spanish Slang Words Spoken in Mexico 

Ahh Mexico. Your study abroad program takes place in the lovely Yucatán Peninsula , where you’ll go on quite the journey throughout the region, exploring ancient artifacts and sites, biodiversity, postcard-perfect landscapes, museums, galleries, and incredible restaurants. Studying abroad in Mexico is an exciting way to expand your global perspective.  

And, you’ll want to know some Spanish slang spoken in Mexico before your arrival:  

• ¿Qué onda? Is “What’s up?” in Spanish slang in Mexico 
• ¡Ándale! meaning “hurry up!”  
• Chamba refers to a job  
• Guëy meaning “dude” or “buddy”  
• ¡No manches! The English equivalent of this Spanish slang word is “you’re kidding me” or “no way”  
• ¡Órale! Meaning “wow” or “right on”  
• Suave is used to describe someone as cool or smooth 
• Bronca meaning a problem or difficult situation  
• ¡Aguas! Translates literally to “waters,” but in Spanish slang, this means “watch out!”  
• ¿Mande? is used for additional clarity, like asking “what?” or asking someone to repeat themselves  

This list of Spanish slang words and phrases will have you conversing throughout Mexico in no time!  

EXPLORE MEXICO STUDY ABROAD    

Take Your Spanish Language Skills to the Next Level 

It’s important to remember that the meaning of these Spanish slang words does vary from country to country – a slang word or phrase in Mexico may mean something else entirely in Spain or Costa Rica. Be careful when utilizing any slang terms – taking some time to become more acquainted with the local language in your study abroad destination will help!  

Familiarizing yourself with a variety of different Spanish slang words and phrases will enrich your study abroad experience by helping you dive further into the local culture and learn how to communicate in your study abroad destination more authentically. Your study abroad experience will be chercha (or tuanis or bacán or groso …) you get the point – you’re going to have a fantastic time!  

EXPLORE PROGRAMS  

• Activities & Excursions
• Communications
• Foreign Language
• Planning/Packing
• Santiago de los Caballeros

Related Posts

Ciee santiago open campus block 1/2.

Santiago, Chile is such a beautiful city! From going to the hill of San Cristobal, the numerous artisan markets, seeing the wonderful architecture, going to vibrant parks, and countless fascinating... keep reading

Embarking on a Cultural Odyssey: The CIEE Santiago January Exchange Unveiled

Santiago's vibrant tapestry provids the backdrop for weeks filled with enriching encounters and memorable moments. Although, not primarily a language-oriented program, the immersion component stands out as daily interactions with... keep reading

Studying in Santiago on Summer

Studying abroad as an exchange student in Santiago de Chile during summer is a unique and enriching experience. The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning... keep reading

• Food & Drink

© 2024 CIEE. All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Notice
• Terms & Conditions

• --> --> Search --> --> --> --> --> --> -->