The Spanish slang 'echar la foca' translates to 'scold' or 'yell at someone' in English. It is used when someone is very angry and shouts at someone else. Examples Spanish: Mi madre me echó la foca por llegar tarde a casa. English: My mother scolded me for coming home late.
echar la talla
Used in Chile, 'echar la talla' refers to someone who is joking around or making others laugh. It can also refer to someone who is showing off their skills or abilities. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre echa la talla en las reuniones familiares para hacer reír a todos. English: Juan always jokes around at family gatherings […]
echarse a volar
A Spanish slang phrase that translates to 'start flying'. It is often used to refer to someone starting to do something independently, taking off in life or beginning a new phase. Examples Spanish: Después de terminar la universidad, se echó a volar y comenzó su propio negocio. English: After finishing university, he 'started flying' and […]
echarse al trajín
This phrase 'echarse al trajín' refers to starting a hard or demanding activity or task, often with enthusiasm or determination. Examples Spanish: Después de la universidad, se echó al trajín de trabajar y estudiar al mismo tiempo. English: After college, he threw himself into the hustle of working and studying at the same time.
echarse la yegua
A colloquial expression primarily used in Venezuela, 'echarse la yegua' literally translates to 'throw the mare'. However, it is used idiomatically to refer to relaxing, taking it easy, or not doing anything productive. Examples Spanish: Hoy no voy a hacer nada, solo voy a echarme la yegua. English: I'm not going to do anything today, […]
echo bolsa
A Mexican slang term that literally translates to 'made a bag'. It is commonly used to express that someone messed up or made a big mistake. Examples Spanish: Pedro echo bolsa cuando olvidó el aniversario de su esposa. English: Pedro messed up when he forgot his wife's anniversary.
el año del loly
A Chilean slang phrase used to refer to a very long and indefinite period of time, similar to 'once in a blue moon'. It implies that something happens very rarely or probably will never happen. Examples Spanish: Juan dijo que iba a limpiar su cuarto, pero eso ocurrirá el año del loly. English: Juan said […]
el hachazo
A term often used to refer to a big problem, a disastrous event, or a sudden and unexpected cost. It can also refer to a blow or hit. Examples Spanish: Me llegó un hachazo de impuestos este mes. English: I got hit with a huge tax bill this month.
el Persa
In Chile, 'el Persa' is a term used to refer to a type of large flea market, where you can find various products at affordable prices. Examples Spanish: Vamos a el Persa este fin de semana para comprar algunas antigüedades. English: Let's go to the flea market this weekend to buy some antiques.
el que nace chicharra muere cantando
This Spanish slang phrase translates to 'he who is born a cicada dies singing'. It is often used to imply that a person's basic nature or habits are hard to change. Examples Spanish: Carlos siempre llega tarde a las reuniones. Ya sabes, el que nace chicharra muere cantando. English: Carlos is always late to meetings. […]
en cana
In Spanish slang, 'en cana' is a term used to refer to being in jail or prison. Examples Spanish: Juan ha estado en cana durante tres años. English: Juan has been in jail for three years.
en la cresta
Being at the peak or on top, often related to success or popularity. It may also mean being in a very good situation or in the best moment of something. Examples Spanish: Después de lanzar su último disco, el cantante está en la cresta de su carrera. English: After releasing his latest album, the singer […]
en lo absoluto
Not at all, absolutely not. It's used to strongly negate something. Examples Spanish: ¿Te molesta si fumo aquí? En lo absoluto, puedes hacerlo. English: Do you mind if I smoke here? Not at all, you can do it.
en pelota
naked or undressed Examples Spanish: El niño se puso en pelota y se lanzó a la piscina. English: The boy got naked and jumped into the pool.
en upa
Being carried or held up, typically referring to a child being carried on someone's shoulders or in their arms. Examples Spanish: El niño quería que su padre lo llevara en upa todo el tiempo. English: The boy wanted his father to carry him 'en upa' all the time.
ensalada chilena
Ensalada Chilena is not a slang term but a traditional Chilean dish made primarily of sliced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and seasoned with oil and vinegar. Examples Spanish: Para la cena, preparé una ensalada chilena para acompañar el asado. English: For dinner, I prepared a Chilean salad to accompany the barbecue.
entrar agua al bote
A Spanish idiomatic expression that translates to 'water entering the boat'. It is often used to refer to a situation that is beginning to become problematic or difficult to handle, similar to a boat that is starting to take on water. Examples Spanish: Con tantas deudas, siento que comienza a entrar agua al bote. English: […]
es bueno mirar el carné de vez en cuando
This isn't exactly a slang phrase, but a common saying in Spanish. It means 'it's good to check the ID from time to time', implying that it's wise to reevaluate or reassess situations or people now and then. Examples Spanish: No te fíes ciegamente de las personas, es bueno mirar el carné de vez en […]
estar a la sombra
Literally translated as 'to be in the shade', this slang term is commonly used to refer to someone who is in prison or jail. Examples Spanish: Mi primo está a la sombra por robo. English: My cousin is in jail for theft.
estar apestado
To be fed up or frustrated with something or someone. It can also mean to be sick or to feel unwell. Examples Spanish: Estoy apestado de tanto trabajo. English: I'm fed up with so much work.
estar botella
A Spanish slang term primarily used in Spain, 'estar botella' literally translates to 'being a bottle'. It is often used to describe someone who is free or not doing anything, generally not being busy or occupied. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer que Juan esté botella todo el fin de semana, sin ningún plan. English: I […]
estar cachúa
A Dominican slang term that means being in a good mood or feeling great. It can also mean to be in high spirits or to be happy. Examples Spanish: Hoy me siento muy bien, estoy cachúa. English: I am feeling really good today, I am in high spirits.
estar caleta
'Estar caleta' is a Chilean slang term that means 'to be hidden' or 'to be a lot or many'. The context or situation determines its interpretation. Examples Spanish: 1) El tesoro está caleta en el jardín. 2) Hay caleta de gente en la fiesta. English: 1) The treasure is hidden in the garden. 2) There […]
estar chato
A Chilean slang term used when someone is tired or fed up with a situation. Examples Spanish: Estoy chato de trabajar tantas horas. English: I'm fed up with working so many hours.
estar choclo
In Chilean slang, 'estar choclo' refers to being infatuated or being in love with someone. It can also imply being obsessed or overly focused on something. Examples Spanish: Estoy choclo por esa chica, no puedo dejar de pensar en ella. English: I'm crazy about that girl, I can't stop thinking about her.
estar como las pelotas
Used to express being in a bad mood or feeling extremely annoyed. It can also mean being in a bad state or condition. Examples Spanish: Estoy como las pelotas con tanto ruido. English: I'm really annoyed with all this noise.
estar como piojo
This Spanish slang phrase literally translates to 'to be like a louse.' It is used to describe someone who is always hanging around, annoying, or not wanted in a particular place or situation. Examples Spanish: Juan siempre está en mi casa, está como piojo. English: Juan is always at my house, he's like a louse.
estar de boni
A Spanish slang term meaning to be relaxed, not worrying about anything, or just hanging out. Examples Spanish: Hoy no tengo planes, solo voy a estar de boni en mi casa. English: I have no plans today, I'm just going to hang out at home.
estar diciendo
A phrase meaning 'to be saying' or 'to be telling', often used to report or express what someone else has said or is saying. Examples Spanish: Juan está diciendo que vendrá a la fiesta esta noche. English: Juan is saying that he will come to the party tonight.
estar en la pitilla
A Spanish slang term primarily used in Spain, 'estar en la pitilla' refers to being in a difficult financial situation or being short of money. Examples Spanish: No puedo ir a la fiesta esta noche, estoy en la pitilla hasta fin de mes. English: I can't go to the party tonight, I'm broke until the […]