The Spanish slang word jeta is commonly known throughout Latin America. But you need to pay attention where you use it because the meaning changes among countries. Most of the times it is a derogatory word or a negative adjective. Be careful!
The Spanish word jeta comes from the Arabic jaṭm, that means snout, beak or nose (hocico, pico, nariz). But in Spanish slang three additional meanings are added to this word:
1. According to the Diccionario de Americanismos, the word jeta is a derogatory term for mouth in almost all Latin American countries.
2. In Mexico and Argentina it is a synonym for face. The illustration above is from the book Speaking Argento: A Guide to Spanish from Argentina and specifically shows this meaning.
3. The third meaning is also from Mexico and means a nap.
18 Spanish slang words and phrases derived from jeta
Here are some examples of Spanish slang word expressions derived from jeta. Remember: most of the time it is a derogatory word or has a negative meaning. Be careful!
1. Chupar la jeta: To kiss, suck face (Venezuela)
2. Eres un jeta: To have a lot of nerve (caradura)
3. Estirar la jeta: To die, similar to estirar la pata in other countries (Argentina). To get angry (Argentina).
4. jeta caída: Having a face that expresses anger or a bad mood (Nicaragua, Bolvia)
5. jetabierta: A person who speaks ill of others (Costa Rica). A stupefied person, slow or stupid (derogatory in Honduras, Nicaragua). An indiscreet and vulgar person (derogatory Honduras).
6. jetabulario: Combines the words jeta and vocabulario; the use of dirty words, swearing, vulgar language.
7. jetatore: A person who gives bad luck (Argentina).
8. jetazo: A passionate kiss (Guatemala, Argentina). A slap on the mouth (Venezuela). A slap on the face (Honduras).
9. jeteada: A nap (Mexico). A scolding with offensive words (Honduras).
10. jeteadera: Intense kissing (Guatemala).
11. jeteado or jeteada: A person insulted by another (Honduras).
12. jeteador or jetero: A person who takes advantage of others (Argentina).
13. jetear or jetearse: To take a nap (Mexico). To kiss (Guatemala, Peru and some areas in Argentina). To take advantage of others (Argentina).
14. jetón or jetona / jetudo or jetuda: Large mouth (derogatory in Nicaragua, Colombia, Bolivia, El Salvador, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay). Person with a big and rough face and a protruding jaw (Guatemala). Person who tells many lies and exaggerates things (derogatory in Costa Rica and Venezuela). A sleeping person (Mexico). An angry or grouchy person (derogatory in Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia).
15. jetonada: An exaggerated thing that is not credible (Costa Rica).
16. jetonazo or jetonaza: A person with a big face (derogatory in Peru).
17. Tienes mucha jeta: Impudence (desfachatez)
18. ¡Qué jeta!: What nerve! (caradura)
Do you know any more Spanish words or phrases with the word jeta?
Check out these other Spanish Slang Word articles.