It's a phrase that implies that life is tough or things are difficult, often in terms of making a living or surviving in difficult economic conditions. Examples Spanish: Con la crisis económica, la calle está dura. English: With the economic crisis, life is tough.
la fiesta del sorullo, cada cual trae el suyo
A phrase used to indicate that everyone should bring their own stuff or be self-sufficient. It is often used in the context of parties or gatherings where each guest is expected to bring their own food, drink, or contribution. Examples Spanish: Este fin de semana vamos a hacer una barbacoa estilo 'la fiesta del sorullo, […]
la fiesta terminó como el rosario de la aurora
This phrase is used to describe a situation or an event that ended in disaster or chaos. The literal translation is 'the party ended like the rosary at dawn', which refers to early morning prayers that usually take place in a quiet and calm atmosphere, so the comparison implies a strong contrast. Examples Spanish: La […]
la High
La high is a Spanish slang term that originates from English. It is used to refer to a high social class or upscale lifestyle. Examples Spanish: Ella vive la high, siempre está en los mejores restaurantes y tiendas de lujo. English: She lives the high life, she is always in the best restaurants and luxury […]
la idea por la vuelta
This phrase does not correspond to a specific Spanish slang term. It literally translates to 'the idea for the turn' in English. It seems to be a combination of words that doesn't have a particular colloquial meaning in Spanish-speaking cultures. Examples Spanish: N/A English: N/A
la Inter
Short for 'la Internet', it is a colloquial way to refer to the Internet in Spanish. Examples Spanish: No puedo ver el video, la Inter está muy lenta hoy. English: I can't watch the video, the Internet is very slow today.
la isla
In Spanish slang, 'la isla' literally translates to 'the island'. However, it can be used to refer to a specific area, region, or neighborhood in a city that is isolated or distinct from others. Examples Spanish: Vivo en 'la isla', un barrio muy tranquilo en medio del bullicio de la ciudad. English: I live in […]
la luz de alante es la que alumbra
A Spanish saying that translates to 'the light in front is the one that illuminates.' It's used to express the idea that we should focus more on the present and future instead of dwelling on the past. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes tanto por lo que pasó, recuerda que la luz de alante es la […]
la mandá se oyó en Nueva York
This phrase is typically used in the Spanish-speaking world to indicate that someone has done something so impactful or significant that it's being talked about far and wide. The literal translation is 'the command was heard in New York.' Examples Spanish: Cuando Juan ganó el premio Nobel, la mandá se oyó en Nueva York. English: […]
la mató porque la quería
A Spanish phrase that literally translates to 'he killed her because he loved her'. It is used to ironically describe situations where someone hurts someone else under the pretense of caring for them or having their best interests at heart. Examples Spanish: Le quitó el trabajo a su hermano para que aprenda a ser responsable. […]
la mula atrás para que no de patás adas
This phrase doesn't directly translate into English and isn't a common or recognized slang term in Spanish. However, if we break it down, it could be interpreted as 'the mule behind so it doesn't kick forward.' It might be used to suggest caution, implying that one should not provoke situations that could lead to harmful […]
la piña esta agria
A phrase used to express the idea that a situation is difficult or complicated, similar to the English saying 'the going gets tough'. Literally, it translates to 'the pineapple is sour'. Examples Spanish: Con todo lo que está pasando en el trabajo, realmente siento que la piña está agria. English: With everything that's going on […]
La Poli
A short, informal term for 'la policía', which means 'the police' in English. Examples Spanish: Corre, ahí viene la poli. English: Run, here comes the police.
la sangre llama
The phrase 'la sangre llama' literally translates to 'the blood calls'. It is a Spanish slang term that represents the strong bond or connection between family members, suggesting that family ties are powerful and significant. Examples Spanish: Aunque están enojados el uno con el otro, al final 'la sangre llama' y siempre se reconcilian. English: […]
la seca y la meca
A Spanish slang term used to describe a place that is very far away, or the end of the world. Examples Spanish: He buscado ese libro en la seca y la meca y no lo puedo encontrar. English: I have searched for that book in the seca and the meca and I can't find it.
la UP
An abbreviation for 'la Universidad Pública'. It generally refers to any public university or college in Spanish-speaking countries. Examples Spanish: Voy a estudiar en la UP el próximo año. English: I'm going to study at the public university next year.
ladies
A Spanish slang term used in Spain to refer to young girls or women, often used in a playful or informal context. Examples Spanish: Vamos a salir esta noche, ¿quieres venir con nosotros, ladies? English: We're going out tonight, do you want to come with us, ladies?
lambeojo
A derogatory term, 'lambeojo' is a combination of 'lame' (lick) and 'ojo' (eye). It is used to describe a person who tries to flatter someone for personal gain or favoritism, similar to 'bootlicker' or 'brown-noser' in English. Examples Spanish: No seas un lambeojo, consigue tus cosas con esfuerzo. English: Don't be a bootlicker, achieve your […]
lambia de vaca
A Dominican slang term that refers to an individual who is a flatterer, sycophant or someone who overly praises others to gain personal advantage Examples Spanish: No confíes en Juan, es un lambia de vaca siempre quiere quedar bien con el jefe. English: Don't trust Juan, he is a brown-noser always wanting to look good […]
lambío
In Dominican slang, 'lambío' refers to someone who is a suck-up, or a person who flatters or praises others excessively for personal gain. Examples Spanish: No confío en Juan, siempre es un lambío cuando el jefe está cerca. English: I don't trust Juan, he's always a suck-up when the boss is around.
lambiscón
A person who constantly flatters or kisses up to others, typically to gain some advantage or favor. Examples Spanish: No seas tan lambiscón con el jefe, es obvio que solo buscas un ascenso. English: Don't be such a suck-up to the boss, it's obvious you're just looking for a promotion.
lambón
A term used in certain Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in the Dominican Republic, to describe a person who flatters or kisses up to someone, usually for personal gain or advantage. Examples Spanish: No seas lambón y haz tu propio trabajo. English: Don't be a suck-up and do your own work.
lapa
In some Latin American countries, 'lapa' is slang for a person who is always hanging around and is hard to get rid of, similar to a leech. It can also be used to describe someone who is very clingy or dependent. Examples Spanish: No puedo deshacerme de Juan, es una lapa. English: I can't get […]
lapachear
A term mostly used in Latin America, especially in Argentina, that refers to the act of chilling, relaxing, or wasting time without doing anything productive. Examples Spanish: Hoy no tengo ganas de hacer nada, solo voy a lapachear en casa. English: I don't feel like doing anything today, I'm just going to chill at home.
las brujas se están casando
This phrase is a colloquial way to express that it's raining while the sun is out. It's equivalent to the English expression 'the devil is beating his wife'. Examples Spanish: Mira, el sol está brillando pero también está lloviendo. ¡Las brujas se están casando! English: Look, the sun is shining but it's also raining. The […]
le comieron las tapas
It is a Spanish slang phrase used to indicate that someone has been outsmarted or deceived by another. Literally, it translates to 'they ate his lids', but it's figuratively used to say someone has been fooled. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer que Juan cayó en su trampa, definitivamente a él le comieron las tapas. English: […]
le dieron como a pillo de película
A Spanish slang phrase used to refer to someone who has been severely punished or beaten, similar to how a movie villain might be treated. It can also be used to refer to someone who has been reprimanded or heavily criticized. Examples Spanish: Después de que el jefe descubrió su error, a Juan le dieron […]
le dieron de arroz y de masa
This is a Spanish slang phrase commonly used to indicate that someone has experienced a lot of problems or difficulties. The direct translation is 'they gave him rice and dough', but it's used metaphorically to express going through a lot or having a rough time. Examples Spanish: Con todo lo que le ha pasado esta […]
le dieron hasta por dentro del pelo
A colloquial phrase used humorously to express that someone was thoroughly beaten or overwhelmingly defeated, either literally or figuratively. Examples Spanish: El equipo de fútbol jugó tan mal que le dieron hasta por dentro del pelo. English: The soccer team played so poorly that they were beaten inside out.
le dieron uno de cal y otro de arena
This phrase is used to describe a situation where one receives good news or positive results, but also bad news or negative results at the same time. Similar to the English saying 'give with one hand and take with the other'. Examples Spanish: Me dieron una promoción en el trabajo, pero también más responsabilidades. Me […]