Part of learning the local Spanish is learning the “not so nice” expressions. I am talking about swear words and phrases.
Learning slang and vulgar words when you are advanced in learning a new language is a natural next step that allows you to become more familiar with the language and culture of the people who speak it.
Slang and vulgar words, while not appropriate in all contexts, are an important part of any language and are often used among native speakers in informal settings. You will hear these words and phrases at some point, no doubt about it! Learning these kinds of words can help you advance to gain insight into the daily conversations native speakers have, as well as giving the feeling of immersion in the culture.
By gaining fluency in slang phrases, idioms, and other more informal forms of language use, you can expand your vocabulary beyond what is taught in a standard textbook. Not only would this allow you to understand what others around are saying more easily, but it would also deepen your understanding of the spoken language. It can even give you an opportunity to better connect with native speakers as you progress further in.
In this 5th entry of “Words and Phrases Not Taught in School” it is Mexico’s turn. Our sources from Mexico provided us this list of 10 Mexican Spanish Swear Words and Phrases matched with the best possible English equivalent.
Even if you don’t say these expressions, you will hear them, and you might be wondering what they mean. Or you just “stumble upon” on this page on purpose (because you Googled it), to learn these expressions and use them. That’s ok too!
If your curiosity was not satisfied with this list from Mexico and want to curse in Spanish like other natives, click here for the lists from: Argentina, Chile, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Peru.
Just one more thing. After reading it, do you think there are other words and phrases that could make the list? Leave me a comment.
INFOGRAPHIC: 10 Mexican Spanish Swear Words and Phrases Not Taught in School
10 Words & Phrases from Mexico That Aren’t Taught in School
1. Chinga tu madre
“Go bother your mother.” It’s sort of fuck your mother.
2. Valió madre or Valió verga
Literally “It was worth mother” or “It was worth cock.” It means “something is fucked.” For example: Ya valí madre means “I’m fucked.”
3. Estás pero si bien pendejo.
“You’re a fucking idiot”
4. Pinche
Similar to the word “fucking” in English. Used in conjunction with another word to intensify its meaning. For example: Pinche estúpido means “fucking idiot.”
5. Un putero
“A fucking lot of” something. For example: Un putero de gente means “a fucking lot of people.”
6. No mames
Literally “don’t suck.” It means “stop fucking around” or “stop being an asshole.”
7. Puto and Puta
A faggot and a whore, respectively.
8. Güey
Literally it’s an ox (buey), but means “dude” or also “a dumb person.”
9. Coger
Literally means “to take,” but in Mexico means “to fuck.”
10. ¡Mira qué cabrón!
“Don’t try to be a smart-ass.” Used when someone is trying to take advantage of something or someone.
Mexican Spanish Dictionaries
- Book 1: Quick Guide to Mexican Spanish
- Book 2: Quick Guide to MORE Mexican Spanish
Check out these other Mexican Spanish Slang Expressions articles.