by Elena Llorca from Spain2Speak If you have visited the Canary Islands, you will have checked that it is the Spanish region which looks the most like South America –especially like the Caribbean, for its climate and its accent. In fact, the Canary Islands dialect corresponds to the “Atlantic variety,” linked to Spanish-speaking America […]
25 Spanish Slang Expressions from Spain: Asturias
This is a guest post written by Ashley Bennink, a doctoral candidate who just completed her Masters in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at the University of Oviedo in Asturias, Spain. Her area of research is the use of slang by Latino immigrants in the area of Health and Wellness. Prior to studying in […]
COJONES: 33 Phrases With the Most Important Spanish Slang Word in Spain
According to the Royal Spanish Academy a cojón is a testicle and cojones is an interjection used to express diverse moods, especially surprise, something odd or anger. This a polite way of translating cojones. The Real World Spanish translation is a guy’s nuts or balls. The renowned Spanish author and journalist Arturo Pérez Reverte wrote […]
4 Grammar Hints to Speak Spanish Like a Spaniard
Every Spanish-speaking country has its own unique way of speaking the Spanish language. Here are some tips on how to speak Spanish like a Spaniard. 1. Use the vosotros form If you studied Spanish in school, you have probably at least heard of the vosotros form. However, most teachers brush over it and never really […]
Shame on Spain: A List of Spanish Slang Expressions Used to Insult Puerto Rico
One of our recommendations in the article 4 Strategies to Learn Spanish Slang Abroad when you want to know the language of a specific country is to read the local newspapers. The sports section is an excellent source of colloquial vocabulary you can find. A journalist that write sports news has more flexibility in the […]
marcha
In Spanish slang, 'marcha' is often used to refer to fun, party, nightlife or a lively atmosphere. Examples Spanish: Esta ciudad tiene mucha marcha, siempre hay algo que hacer por la noche. English: This city has a lot of 'marcha', there's always something to do at night.
picha
In certain regions of Spain, especially in the south, 'picha' is a colloquial term used to refer to a man or a boy. However, it can also be used as a vulgar term for the male genitalia. The use of the term depends heavily on the context and region. Examples Spanish: ¡Oye, picha, vamos a […]
móvil
In Spanish slang, 'móvil' is used to refer to a mobile phone or cell phone. Examples Spanish: No puedo encontrar mi móvil, creo que lo he perdido. English: I can't find my mobile, I think I've lost it.
vaya palo
An expression used to denote a shocking or disappointing situation, similar to 'what a blow' or 'what a bummer' in English. Examples Spanish: Perdí mi trabajo. ¡Vaya palo! English: I lost my job. What a blow!
hortera
A term used to describe something or someone considered tacky, tasteless, or flashy. Examples Spanish: Ese vestido con lentejuelas es muy hortera. English: That sequined dress is very tacky.
pegarse una galleta
To crash into something or to have an accident, often specifically used when talking about vehicles. Examples Spanish: Iba tan rápido en su coche que se pegó una galleta contra el muro. English: He was going so fast in his car that he crashed into the wall.
sopla nuca
A derogatory term used in some Latin American countries that is roughly equivalent to 'backstabber' or 'two-faced' in English. It literally translates to 'neck blower', indicating someone who talks behind others' backs. Examples Spanish: No puedes confiar en Juan, es un sopla nuca. English: You can't trust Juan, he's a backstabber.
aseo
In Spanish slang, 'aseo' is commonly used to refer to cleaning or cleanliness. It can also refer to a bathroom or restroom. Examples Spanish: Voy a hacer el aseo en mi casa hoy. English: I'm going to clean my house today.
muerde almohada
A derogatory term referring to a homosexual man. Literally translates to 'pillow biter'. It is considered offensive and disrespectful. Examples Spanish: No seas tan intolerante, no importa si él es un muerde almohada. English: Don't be so intolerant, it doesn't matter if he is a 'pillow biter'.
marron
In Spanish slang, 'marron' typically refers to a difficult or problematic situation. It can also refer to a task or job that no one wants to do. Examples Spanish: Me tocó el marrón de limpiar toda la casa después de la fiesta. English: I got stuck with the hassle of cleaning the entire house after […]
chollo
A term used in Spain to refer to something that is a good deal or bargain, typically a product or service that is of high quality but low cost. Examples Spanish: Este teléfono móvil es un chollo, tiene todas las funciones modernas pero sólo me costó 50 euros. English: This mobile phone is a 'chollo', […]
chimputear
A slang term predominantly used in Mexico, 'chimputear' refers to the act of losing one's temper, getting angry, or throwing a tantrum. Examples Spanish: No es necesario que empieces a chimputear solo porque no estás de acuerdo conmigo. English: There's no need for you to start throwing a tantrum just because you don't agree with […]
braga
In Spanish 'braga' has multiple meanings. It can refer to a type of women's underwear, similar to 'panties' in English. In some regions, it can also mean 'bragging' or 'boasting'. Examples Spanish: 1. Olvidé comprar nuevas bragas en la tienda. 2. Deja de hacer braga sobre tu nuevo coche. English: 1. I forgot to buy […]