A Spanish slang term primarily used in Argentina, 'joraca' is a somewhat vulgar way to refer to a problem or chaotic situation. It can also be used to express disbelief or surprise. Examples Spanish: ¡No puedo creer la joraca que se ha formado en el trabajo hoy! English: I can't believe the mess that has […]
jovato
Slang term used in some Latin American countries to refer to an old or elderly man. It can also be used to refer to someone who is considered old-fashioned or out of touch with current trends. Examples Spanish: El jovato de mi abuelo todavía usa un teléfono de disco. English: My old-fashioned grandfather still uses […]
joya
In Spanish slang, 'joya' is often used to describe something or someone as excellent or perfect. It literally translates to 'jewel' in English, but in slang it's used to express admiration or satisfaction. Examples Spanish: Este coche es una joya, nunca me ha dado problemas. English: This car is a gem, it has never given […]
jugado
Used in some Latin American countries, 'jugado' is a slang term that refers to a person who is determined, committed, or fully involved in a particular situation or endeavor. It can also refer to someone who is facing a risky situation. Examples Spanish: Juan está muy jugado con su negocio, está poniendo todo su esfuerzo […]
jugarsela
To take a risk or gamble on an uncertain outcome, often used to describe making a bold or risky decision. Examples Spanish: Voy a jugármela y preguntarle si quiere salir conmigo. English: I'm going to take a risk and ask her if she wants to go out with me.
julepeado
A term used in some Spanish-speaking regions, especially in Argentina, to refer to a person who is scared, terrified or anxious about something. Examples Spanish: Después de ver la película de terror, Juan estaba julepeado toda la noche. English: After watching the horror movie, Juan was scared all night.
justiniano
A term mostly used in the Dominican Republic, 'justiniano' is slang for someone who is always broke or without money. Examples Spanish: No puedo ir al cine, estoy justiniano. English: I can't go to the movies, I'm broke.
kaput
Derived from the German word 'kaputt', in Spanish slang, 'kaput' is used to denote something that is broken, out of order, or not working anymore. Examples Spanish: Después de muchos años de servicio, mi viejo coche finalmente está kaput. English: After many years of service, my old car is finally kaput.
know how
la clásica
A term used to refer to a typical, common or recurring situation, action or excuse. It is similar to the English phrase 'the usual'. Examples Spanish: Ella se olvidó de hacer la tarea, la clásica. English: She forgot to do her homework, the usual.
La Conchinchina
A term used in Spain to refer to a place that is extremely far away or hard to reach. It is often used in an exaggerated way to express distance, not necessarily a specific geographical location. Examples Spanish: ¡Vive en la Conchinchina! Tardaré años en llegar a su casa. English: He lives in the middle […]
la crema
A Spanish slang term used to refer to 'the best'. It is often used to describe someone or something that is the best, superior, or top-notch. Examples Spanish: Ese restaurante es la crema, sirven la mejor comida en la ciudad. English: That restaurant is the best, they serve the best food in the town.
la facu
A shortened, informal term for 'la facultad', which refers to university or college. Examples Spanish: Voy a la facu para estudiar para mi examen de mañana. English: I'm going to the university to study for my exam tomorrow.
la guadaña
This term is often used in a metaphorical sense to refer to death, due to the traditional image of Death carrying a scythe (guadaña in Spanish). It is not a common slang term, but more of a literary or poetic term. Examples Spanish: Cuando llega la guadaña, no hay nada que se pueda hacer. English: […]
laburador
A term mainly used in Argentina and Uruguay referring to someone who works hard, often in a labor-intensive job. It comes from 'laburar', which means 'to work'. Examples Spanish: Mi hermano es un verdadero laburador, siempre está ocupado con algún proyecto. English: My brother is a real hard worker, he's always busy with some project.
laburante
A term used in Argentina to refer to a hardworking person or worker. It's derived from the verb 'laburar', which is slang for 'to work'. Examples Spanish: Mi padre es un laburante, se levanta temprano todos los días para ir a trabajar. English: My father is a hard worker, he gets up early every day […]
laburar
A slang term commonly used in Argentina, Uruguay, and other parts of Latin America as a synonym for 'working' or 'to work'. Examples Spanish: No puedo salir esta noche, tengo que laburar temprano mañana. English: I can't go out tonight, I have to work early tomorrow.
laburo
A slang term used in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay for 'work' or 'job'. Examples Spanish: Estoy muy cansado, tuve un día largo en el laburo. English: I'm very tired, I had a long day at work.
ladri
A shortened form of 'ladrón', used in Argentina, which means thief or crook. It's often used not to accuse someone of stealing, but in a playful or friendly context to accuse someone of being sneaky or cunning. Examples Spanish: ¡Oye, ladri! ¿Dónde has escondido las galletas? English: Hey, you little sneak! Where have you hidden […]
lágrima
In standard Spanish, 'lágrima' means 'tear'. However, in Spanish slang, it can also refer to a very small quantity of something. Examples Spanish: Solo quiero una lágrima de café para despertarme. English: I just want a tiny bit of coffee to wake me up.
lance
In Spanish slang, 'lance' is commonly used in Spain to refer to a fling or a brief romantic affair. It can also denote a casual and non-serious relationship. Examples Spanish: Ella no quiere una relación seria, solo busca un lance. English: She doesn't want a serious relationship, she's just looking for a fling.
lancero
In Colombian slang, 'lancero' refers to a person who is cunning, sly, or manipulative, often using these traits to take advantage of others. It can also refer to someone who is street-smart. Examples Spanish: No confíes en Juan, es muy lancero y podría engañarte. English: Don't trust Juan, he's very cunning and might deceive you.
langa
In some South American countries like Chile, 'langa' is a slang term used to describe someone who is clumsy or awkward. Examples Spanish: ¡No seas langa! Casi rompes la ventana con el balón. English: Don't be so clumsy! You almost broke the window with the ball.
lapicera
A slang term used primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay for a pen or ballpoint pen. Examples Spanish: Necesito una lapicera para tomar notas en la reunión. English: I need a pen to take notes in the meeting.
largavistas
A colloquial term for binoculars, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone's capacity to see something from far or perceive things clearly. Examples Spanish: Necesito mis largavistas para ver el partido desde estas gradas. English: I need my binoculars to watch the game from these stands.
largo
In Spanish slang, 'largo' usually means 'to leave' or 'to go away'. It is often used in the imperative form, telling someone to get out or go away. Examples Spanish: ¡Largo de aquí! No quiero verte más. English: Get out of here! I don't want to see you anymore.
las chicas
It literally translates to 'the girls', but in Spanish slang, it can also refer to a group of friends, regardless of gender. Examples Spanish: Vamos a salir con las chicas esta noche. English: We're going out with the group tonight.
lastrada
A term used in some Latino cultures, especially in Colombia, to refer to a person who is extremely tired or exhausted. Examples Spanish: Después de trabajar todo el día en el campo, estoy lastrada. English: After working all day in the field, I'm worn out.
lastrar
In Spanish slang, 'lastrar' is used to mean 'to hold back' or 'to hinder'. It can also be used to imply eating a lot or heavily. Examples Spanish: No dejes que tus miedos te lastran en la vida. / Ayer me lastré una pizza entera. English: Don't let your fears hold you back in life. […]
lenteja
In Spanish slang, 'lenteja' is often used to refer to a single coin, particularly a small amount of money. It is derived from the word for 'lentil', suggesting something small and insignificant. Examples Spanish: No tengo ni una lenteja en el bolsillo. English: I don't have a single coin in my pocket.