You wouldn’t think that a Spanish-speaking girl, watching a television program in Spanish would learn more Spanish. At the time I didn’t realize that watching El Chavo del 8 would expand my Spanish vocabulary and make me understand that there was regional or country differences within the same language. In this case I am talking […]
VIDEO: 6 Common Mexican Gestures
Common Mexican gestures shared by natives Spanish speakers from Guadalajara. Includes a full video and 6 images.
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Best Mexican Spanish Swear Words and Insults
A list of Mexican Spanish swear words and phrases with English translations. Learn how Mexicans curse and share the infographic.
Survival Spanish Guide to Mexican Street Food
What makes things complicated is that the names of many of the food either have another meaning, or sound like a word in English that really has nothing to do with them (false cognates). This guide is to help novice Mexican street foodies navigate through a market and order the food they want.
FREE List of 75 Mexican Spanish Phrases and Expressions
Get a compilation of 75 common Mexican Spanish slang phrases and expressions. It provides definitions and explanations for each expression, offering insights into the colorful and dynamic language used in Mexico.
List of Mexican Spanish Words and Phrases
We are starting 2014 by completing work long overdue. Those pending projects included the update of the Speaking Latino Spanish slang words database. After two and half years, we ended up having more material that we wanted to share with you. Diana and I are pleased to announce that our list of Mexican Spanish words […]
washear
Derived from the English verb 'to wash', 'washear' in Spanish slang is used to refer to the act of washing or cleaning something, especially a vehicle. Examples Spanish: Voy a washear mi coche este fin de semana. English: I'm going to wash my car this weekend.
ya chingué
A Mexican slang phrase generally used to express success or accomplishment. It roughly translates to 'I already nailed it' or 'I already won'. Examples Spanish: Ya chingué, por fin logré mi objetivo. English: I've nailed it, I finally achieved my goal.
te chingué
A Mexican slang phrase that is used to express that you defeated or bested someone in a challenge or competition. It comes from the verb 'chingar' which has various meanings depending on the context, but in this case, it's used to imply winning or beating someone. Examples Spanish: ¡Te chingué en el juego de ajedrez! […]
soy la pura verdura
A colloquial phrase from Mexico, 'soy la pura verdura' is used to express the idea of being good, healthy, or innocent. It can be used to refer to oneself or others, and it roughly translates to 'I am pure health' or 'I am pure innocence'. Examples Spanish: 'No te preocupes por mí, mamá, soy la […]
ser muy X
The phrase 'ser muy X' is a versatile slang term where 'X' can be replaced with any adjective. It is used to express that someone embodies a specific characteristic or trait to a high degree. Examples Spanish: Ella es muy trabajadora, nunca la veo descansar. English: She is very hardworking, I never see her rest.
sarape
In Mexican Spanish, 'sarape' refers to a traditional long blanket-like shawl, often brightly colored and fringed at the ends, which is worn especially by men. Although it's not a slang term, it's distinctly Mexican and used colloquently. Examples Spanish: Hace frío, voy a buscar mi sarape para calentarme. English: It's cold, I'm going to get […]
recámara
A colloquial term used in Mexico for 'bedroom' or 'room'. Examples Spanish: Voy a limpiar mi recámara antes de que lleguen los invitados. English: I'm going to clean my bedroom before the guests arrive.
quedarse de a solapas
A Spanish slang term primarily used in Mexico, 'quedarse de a solapas' means to be left surprised or astonished. It can also refer to being left waiting or hanging. Examples Spanish: Cuando le dijeron que había ganado la lotería, se quedó de a solapas. English: When they told him he had won the lottery, he […]
popote
In Mexican Spanish slang, 'popote' means 'straw', typically a drinking straw. Examples Spanish: ¿Me puedes pasar un popote para mi refresco, por favor? English: Can you pass me a straw for my soda, please?
poner los cachos
A colloquial phrase used in various Latin American countries, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela, that means to cheat on someone or to be unfaithful in a relationship. Examples Spanish: Juan sospecha que su novia le está poniendo los cachos. English: Juan suspects that his girlfriend is cheating on him.
platicar
A colloquial term primarily used in Mexico and some parts of Central America that means 'to chat' or 'to talk'. Examples Spanish: Vamos a platicar sobre lo que pasó ayer. English: Let's chat about what happened yesterday.
playera
In Mexican Spanish, 'playera' is a colloquial term for a t-shirt, typically a casual one. Examples Spanish: Me compré una playera nueva para el concierto. English: I bought a new t-shirt for the concert.
padrote
In Mexican slang, 'padrote' is often used to refer to a pimp or someone who controls prostitutes. However, it can also be used to refer to someone who is bossy or likes to control others. Examples Spanish: El tipo ese se cree un padrote, siempre intentando controlar a todos. English: That guy thinks he's a […]
okupa
The term 'okupa' is a Spanish slang originating from the word 'occupy'. It refers to people who illegally inhabit unused or abandoned properties without the permission of the owner. Examples Spanish: La casa abandonada al final de la calle está llena de okupas. English: The abandoned house at the end of the street is full […]
orégano
In Spanish street slang, 'orégano' is often used to refer to low quality marijuana or fake marijuana. The term 'orégano' literally translates to 'oregano' in English, a type of herb, and is used metaphorically in this context. Examples Spanish: No compres de ese tipo, solo vende orégano. English: Don't buy from that guy, he only […]
pa’ mearlo
A Spanish slang expression used to describe something or someone that is very funny or outrageous, literally translating to 'to pee him'. It is mostly used in Spain. Examples Spanish: El show de ese comediante es pa’ mearlo, me hizo reír mucho. English: That comedian's show is 'pa’ mearlo', it made me laugh a lot.
no te calientes, plancha
A colloquial phrase meaning 'don't get heated, iron.' It's used to suggest someone should calm down or not take things too seriously. Examples Spanish: No te calientes, plancha, no es para tanto. English: Don't get heated, iron, it's not a big deal.
obrar
In Spanish slang, 'obrar' typically refers to the act of working or performing an action. It can also colloquially mean 'to defecate'. Examples Spanish: Juan está obrando en el jardín todo el día. English: Juan has been working in the garden all day.
mover la chancla
A phrase that literally translates to 'move the flip flop', but is commonly used to imply disciplining someone or threatening to do so, particularly when a parent is warning their children to behave. Examples Spanish: Si no dejas de hacer ruido, voy a mover la chancla. English: If you don't stop making noise, I'm going […]
michelada
A Mexican cocktail made from beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and sometimes tomato juice. Examples Spanish: Vamos a la cantina a tomar unas micheladas. English: Let's go to the bar to have some micheladas.
mocos
Literally translates to 'boogers' but is often used to refer to kids or children in a playful or teasing manner. Examples Spanish: Mis mocos no paran de hacer travesuras en casa. English: My little ones won't stop causing mischief at home.
me late
A Mexican slang phrase which translates to 'I think' or 'it sounds good to me'. It's often used to express agreement or enthusiasm about an idea or plan. Examples Spanish: ¿Quieres ir al cine esta noche? Me late. English: Do you want to go to the cinema tonight? Sounds good to me.
mandado
A term used in some Latin American countries for an errand or task. It can also refer to a person who is easily manipulated or controlled. Examples Spanish: 1. Tengo que hacer un mandado en el supermercado. 2. El pobre hombre es un mandado en manos de su esposa. English: 1. I have to run […]
mal cabreado
Extremely angry or pissed off Examples Spanish: Mi padre estaba mal cabreado cuando descubrió que había suspendido el examen. English: My father was extremely angry when he found out that I had failed the exam.