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 día del níspero
A phrase used to indicate a time that is very unlikely or will never come. Similar to the English phrase 'when pigs fly'. Examples Spanish: Te prestaré mi coche el día del níspero. English: I'll lend you my car when pigs fly.
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 Mercado Central
This is not a slang term. In Spanish, 'el Mercado Central' means 'the Central Market'. It refers to a large market place in many Spanish-speaking cities where a variety of goods such as food, clothes and household items are sold. Examples Spanish: Vamos a comprar frutas y verduras al Mercado Central. English: Let's go to […]
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 la lleva
This phrase is colloquially used to refer to the person who is in charge or the one who has the responsibility in a certain situation. It can also refer to someone who is leading an activity or event. Examples Spanish: En este proyecto, Juan es 'el que la lleva', él tiene la última palabra. English: […]
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. […]
embalado
In Spanish slang, 'embalado' is often used to describe someone who is overly enthusiastic or excited about something. It can also mean someone who is carried away or going too fast. Examples Spanish: Juan está embalado con su nuevo trabajo, no habla de otra cosa. English: Juan is overly excited about his new job, he […]
embarrada
In Latin American slang, 'embarrada' is a term used to refer to a major mistake, blunder, or mess-up. It can also refer to a situation that is complicated or difficult. Examples Spanish: Hice una gran embarrada al olvidar el informe en casa. English: I made a big blunder by forgetting the report at home.
emo
Spanish slang term 'emo' is short for 'emocional' and is used to describe a person who is overly emotional or sensitive. It can also refer to a subculture associated with punk and alternative music, characterized by emotional lyrics and a distinctive fashion style. Examples Spanish: Mi amigo se viste de negro y siempre está triste, […]
empalarse
In Spanish slang, 'empalarse' is used to describe the act of indulging in or consuming too much of something sweet or enjoyable, to the point that one might grow tired or sick of it. Examples Spanish: Me he empalado de tanto comer chocolate. English: I've made myself sick from eating so much chocolate.
emparafinado
A slang term primarily used in Colombia, 'emparafinado' refers to someone who is very well-dressed or looking very smart. It can also refer to someone who is showing off. Examples Spanish: Juan está muy emparafinado hoy, debe tener una cita después del trabajo. English: Juan is looking very smart today, he must have a date […]
empelotado
A term used in Colombia meaning naked or undressed. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer que Juan se haya lanzado a la piscina completamente empelotado. English: I can't believe Juan jumped into the pool completely naked.
empiernado
In Spanish slang, 'empiernado' refers to someone who is deeply in love or infatuated to the point of being almost obsessive. It can also refer to someone who is under the control or influence of their partner. Examples Spanish: Juan está tan empiernado con Maria que no puede dejar de pensar en ella. English: Juan […]
empotarse
A Spanish slang term used to describe the act of crashing into something or someone, or to express an intense desire or obsession for someone. It can also refer to a state of being deeply engrossed, stuck or embedded in something. Examples Spanish: Me he empotrado contra la puerta. / Estoy empotrado de ella. English: […]
emputecer
A colloquial term that refers to becoming angry or enraged. It's a vulgar expression and often considered rude. Examples Spanish: No me hagas emputecer con tus tonterías. English: Don't make me get angry with your nonsense.
emputecido
Very angry or furious. It is a vulgar slang term mainly used in Spain and some Latin American countries. Examples Spanish: Estoy emputecido porque perdí mi billetera con todo el dinero adentro. English: I'm furious because I lost my wallet with all the money inside.
en calidad de bulto
A phrase used to describe someone who is present but not participating or contributing, similar to 'just taking up space'. Examples Spanish: Fui a la fiesta pero solo estuve en calidad de bulto, no conocía a nadie allí. English: I went to the party but I was just there as a 'bulto', I didn't know […]
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 denante
A Chilean Spanish slang term used to refer to a recent past time, similar to 'a while ago' or 'earlier'. Examples Spanish: Te vi en el supermercado en denante. English: I saw you at the supermarket a while ago.
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 la punta del cerro
A Spanish slang term predominantly used in Chile, meaning to be located extremely far away or in a very remote place. Examples Spanish: No puedo ir a tu casa hoy, vives en la punta del cerro. English: I can't come to your house today, you live at the top of the hill.
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 pana
A Venezuelan slang term meaning 'in trouble' or 'broke'. It can also mean having a breakdown or failure, especially when referring to a vehicle. Examples Spanish: Mi coche está en pana, necesito llevarlo al mecánico. English: My car is broken down, I need to take it to the mechanic.
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 una de esas
A phrase used to indicate a possibility or chance that something may occur. It's similar to the English 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. Examples Spanish: En una de esas, vamos a la playa este fin de semana. English: Perhaps, we are going to the beach this weekend.
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.
encachado
In Latin American Spanish slang, 'encachado' refers to someone being dressed up or stylish. It can also mean being caught or busted. Examples Spanish: 1. Hoy sales muy encachado, ¿vas a una cita? 2. Me encacharon robando manzanas en el supermercado. English: 1. You're very dressed up today, are you going on a date? 2. […]
encalillado
A Colombian slang term meaning 'in debt' or 'owing money'. It comes from the word 'calilla' which refers to the last part of a cigarette, implying that when you're 'encalillado', you're at the end of your resources. Examples Spanish: Estoy encalillado hasta el cuello, no sé cómo voy a pagar todas estas deudas. English: I'm […]
encargarse
In Spanish slang, 'encargarse' is not a slang term, but a regular verb that means 'to take care of' or 'to be in charge of'. It implies taking responsibility for a task or situation. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes, yo me encargo de la cena esta noche. English: Don't worry, I'll take care of dinner […]