A slang term most commonly used in Peru, 'yapla' is a playful and informal way to describe someone who is lazy or a slacker. Examples Spanish: ¡Deja de ser un yapla y ponte a trabajar! English: Stop being a slacker and get to work!
yaya
In Spanish slang, 'yaya' is a term usually used to refer to a grandmother. It is a colloquial and affectionate term, commonly used in Spain. Examples Spanish: Voy a visitar a mi yaya este fin de semana. English: I'm going to visit my grandmother this weekend.
yayita
A term of endearment used to refer to a girlfriend or a loved one. It is frequently used in Chile. Examples Spanish: Mi yayita siempre sabe cómo hacerme sonreír. English: My girlfriend always knows how to make me smile.
yo soy de Menudo para acá
This phrase is used in Puerto Rico to indicate that someone has been a fan or supporter of something since the beginning, or for a very long time. The term 'Menudo' refers to the popular Puerto Rican boy band from the 70s and 80s, so 'yo soy de Menudo para acá' literally translates to 'I […]
yo-yo
In Puerto Rico, it's a term used to refer to a person who comes and goes, can't make decisions, or changes their mind frequently. It's derived from the yo-yo toy, which goes up and down. Examples Spanish: Juan es un yo-yo, nunca se decide a nada. English: Juan is a yo-yo, he never makes up […]
yunta
In Spanish slang, 'yunta' generally refers to a close friend, partner or companion. It was originally used to describe a pair of animals that work together, like oxen. Examples Spanish: Voy a salir a tomar algo con mi yunta esta noche. English: I'm going to go out for a drink with my close friend tonight.
zampar
A colloquial term used in Spain meaning 'to eat quickly' or 'to devour'. Examples Spanish: Voy a zampar este bocadillo en un minuto. English: I'm going to devour this sandwich in a minute.
zancudo
A slang term commonly used in Latin America to refer to mosquitoes or long-legged insects. Examples Spanish: No puedo dormir con todos estos zancudos zumbando alrededor. English: I can't sleep with all these mosquitoes buzzing around.
zapallo
In some Latin American countries, 'zapallo' is a slang term that refers to a person who is a bit clumsy, naive, or uncoordinated. It is not always used in a negative context and can be used endearingly. Examples Spanish: No seas zapallo, ten más cuidado la próxima vez. English: Don't be a squash, be more […]
zapatear en una sola fonda
This phrase is used to describe a person who only goes to one place or sticks to what they know. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as visiting restaurants, dating, or even in business scenarios. Examples Spanish: A pesar de que hay muchos restaurantes en la ciudad, Juan siempre prefiere zapatear […]
zapatilla de clavo
A term used in a humorous or pejorative way to refer to an old or worn-out shoe. Examples Spanish: Creo que ya es hora de que te deshagas de esas zapatillas de clavo que llevas. English: I think it's time for you to get rid of those old worn-out shoes you're wearing.
zapla
The term 'zapla' is a slang term from Argentina which refers to a person from the province of Jujuy. It is often used in a friendly, joking manner. Examples Spanish: Mi amigo es un zapla, siempre nos trae dulces de cayote cuando vuelve de Jujuy. English: My friend is a zapla, he always brings us […]
zapping
Derived from the English term, 'zapping' in Spanish slang refers to the act of rapidly changing channels on the TV or skipping through different content on the internet. Examples Spanish: Estaba haciendo zapping en la televisión cuando encontré un programa interesante. English: I was channel surfing on the TV when I found an interesting show.
zarpazo de puma
A Spanish slang phrase that literally translates to 'puma's swipe'. It is used metaphorically to describe a sudden, unexpected action or event that causes a significant impact or change. Examples Spanish: La noticia de su despido fue como un zarpazo de puma en su vida. English: The news of his dismissal was like a puma's […]
zeta
In Spanish slang, 'zeta' is commonly used to refer to a member of the Mexican drug cartel 'Los Zetas'. However, it can also simply mean the letter 'Z' in the Spanish alphabet. Examples Spanish: 1. La policía está en la búsqueda de los zetas que controlan este territorio. 2. La última letra del abecedario es […]
zonbeca
A slang term used in Spain, 'zonbeca' refers to a person who is immature or acts in a foolish or silly way. Can also be used more affectionately to refer to a friend who is acting goofy or playful. Examples Spanish: Deja de actuar como una zonbeca y ponte serio. English: Stop acting like a […]
zorra
In Spanish slang, 'zorra' can refer to a cunning or sly person, often with a negative connotation. It is also used derogatorily to refer to a promiscuous woman. Use of this term can be seen as rude and disrespectful. Examples Spanish: Esa zorra siempre está tramando algo detrás de nuestras espaldas. English: That sly person […]
zorrillo
In slang context, 'zorrillo' is often used to refer to a person who is sneaky or cunning. It's also the literal term for a skunk in Spanish. Examples Spanish: No confíes en él, es un zorrillo. English: Don't trust him, he's a sneak.
zorrón
A term used in Chilean slang to describe a person who is snobbish, pretentious, and likes to show off their wealth or social status. Examples Spanish: Ese chico siempre está alardeando de su dinero, es un verdadero zorrón. English: That guy is always bragging about his money, he's a real snob.
zunga
In Spanish slang, 'zunga' is a term commonly used in Colombia to refer to underwear or underpants. Examples Spanish: Por favor, recoge tus zungas del suelo del baño. English: Please, pick up your underwear from the bathroom floor.
¡Sale!
A Mexican slang term used to express agreement or acceptance, similar to 'okay', 'alright', or 'let's go' in English. Examples Spanish: ¿Vamos a la playa? ¡Sale! English: Shall we go to the beach? Alright!
¿Qué huevada?
A term used in some Spanish-speaking countries, mainly in Peru, to express disappointment, boredom, or annoyance. It can be translated as 'What a drag', 'What a bore', or 'What a hassle'. Examples Spanish: ¿Otra vez tenemos que hacer este trabajo? ¡Qué huevada! English: We have to do this job again? What a drag!
¿Que se teje?
This phrase is slang used primarily in Argentina and Uruguay, and it roughly translates to 'What's up?' or 'What's happening?'. It is used casually among friends to inquire about what is going on or what is new. Examples Spanish: Hola, ¿que se teje? English: Hi, what's up?
¿Quien te metió ficha?
This phrase is used in Spanish slang to ask who showed interest in you or who started flirting with you. It's used to inquire about the person who initiated romantic or flirtatious advances. Examples Spanish: Veo que estás muy feliz, ¿quien te metió ficha? English: I see you are very happy, who started flirting with […]
¿Te fijas?
A phrase used to ask someone if they understand, notice or realize something. It can also be used to emphasize a point. Examples Spanish: ¿Te fijas cómo siempre se le olvida traer el paraguas cuando llueve? English: Do you notice how he always forgets to bring an umbrella when it rains?
¿Te pican los dedos?
A Spanish phrase which literally translates to 'Do your fingers itch?' It is used to imply that someone is eager or too quick to do something, particularly when they shouldn't be. Examples Spanish: No puedes esperar a gastar tu dinero, ¿verdad? ¿Te pican los dedos? English: You can't wait to spend your money, can you? […]
¿Viste?
A term used in Argentina which can be translated as 'you know', 'did you see' or 'right'. It's a conversational tool used to confirm if the other person is following what you're saying. Examples Spanish: Ese partido fue increíble, ¿viste? English: That game was amazing, right?
¿Y a mi que?
A phrase used to indicate indifference or disinterest, equivalent to 'What's it to me?' or 'Why should I care?' in English. Examples Spanish: ¿Perdió su trabajo? ¿Y a mí qué? English: He lost his job? What's it to me?
¿Y a vos… quien te auspicia?
A sarcastic phrase used to question someone's credibility or to mock someone's self-importance. Literally translates to 'And you… who sponsors you?' Examples Spanish: ¿Así que eres el mejor jugador de fútbol del equipo? ¿Y a vos… quien te auspicia? English: So you're the best soccer player on the team? And you… who sponsors you?
¿Y que huevada?
An expression used to show disappointment, annoyance, or dissatisfaction about a situation or event. It can be translated as 'What a drag' or 'What a nuisance'. Examples Spanish: Tengo que trabajar este fin de semana, ¿y que huevada? English: I have to work this weekend, what a drag!