Let's talk Mexican Slang! They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. For a woman's heart, the way might be poetry or fine jewelry. But when it comes to a country, the way to its heart definitely has to be through its language. After all, language is the principal method or system of communication used by a particular country. As true as it is, many countries do share the same mother tongues like the United States and England; as Portugal and Brazil; as Spain and Mexico, but just because some countries share the same language doesn't mean that a person from one country will be able to fully understand a person from another country. Ultimately and unavoidably, there are language variations.
Because all through history, alongside any chosen language, inhabitants haven't been able to resist the use of a more personal and less formal method of human communication. A way of speech that only their kin would understand, a somewhat almost secret way of communicating things among themselves. That form of common speech, of informal communication, is called: slang. In this post, we'll be covering Spanish slang used specifically in Mexico.
To make a list of all existing Spanish slang for each and every country could take years. We would like to address the 30 most used slang terms in Mexican Spanish, so when you're getting closer to the border, having a holiday in Mexico, or simply stumbling across a Mexican on the street, at school, or in your place of work, you can have a few icebreakers ready to spark a conversation, to show off your Spanish knowledge or just to let the other person know that you are familiar with their culture.
Mexican slang is ingenious, and for the most part, intended for conversational fun. Learning Spanish is about having fun, and slang is a really fun way of getting close to the language. Have some fun!
Chafa has no literal translation to english -or to any language whatsoever-. Chafa is the slang for stating that something, someone or somewhere has little to no quality.
"A poco" is used as a way to express incredulity, the english version of ''no way''. Quite frequently, this Spanish slang is used when people are gossiping about something or someone.
While aguas could be translated as ''waters'', which makes no sense for this application, "aguas" is used for prevention, the slang for ''watch out''. This slang started back in colonial times when people threw buckets of water out the window and screamed "aguas"!! (or "waters"!!) to warn pedestrians.
This has no use in a sentence other than stating its meaning. Albur is word play that involves double entendre, mostly sexual. Very commonly used, albures (the plural) are the everyday of some people. Target could be gudgeons or friends, it's never appropriate because it's intended to display masculinity or lack thereof.
*Dejemos de usar albures - Let's stop using sexual double-entendre.
Antro (derived from greek antron cavern, cave) is used to describe a ''club'', a place to dance, drink and have fun. This Spanish slang is used by the younger crowd. Older Mexican men or women would say "disco" or "discoteca", a word that comes from the French word "discotheque".
There are friends and there are really good friends. Tighter bonds require tighter, more familiar terms. In Mexico, a carnal, a compa, a cuate, is someone who you truly regard as a friend, almost like a brother. Carnal, as you may guess, is a friend who's worth is just like a brother or even worthier. Compa, might be a person you just met or a person you see every now and then, like a fella. Cuate is a friend, any friend for that matter, regardless of the relationship.
Perhaps the first thing you may notice is that Spanish uses both exclamation marks - it begins to explain how passionate Spanish as a language is! While huevo literally translates as ''egg'', there's no relation to it at all. There's many uses for this expression, but for the most part, it add excitement to a phrase or confirms a statement.
Chale is also one of those words that have no rational meaning, not even in Spanish. This is where Spanish slang gets pretty interesting. It is said that this word originated mainly from contractions of other words, such as chales, charros and chin; all of them words to describe surprise, annoyance, or concern. This word is very similar to "bummer" or "damn" in English, please excuse my language... I'm doing my best to describe this versatile word!
Chamba means work or job. It's a term originated in the 1940's by mexican immigrants in the United States. When these farmers and bracers went to the Chamber of Commerce to ask for a new job, in between them, with their bad english they would say that they we're going to the Chamba. That's one of the theories, at least.
When it comes to these two, there's not one held theory about where or how these slangs started. Some claim it is a contraction, others that it has Mayan roots. One thing we know for sure is the joy it brings to everyone. Chela or cheve mean beer. A brewski, a brew, a cold one.
While chido has no sense and padre translates as ''father'', both of these express coolness. That something is nice, pretty or pleasant.
If gringo rings a bell to you, "chilango" rings another one to Mexicans. Chilango is slang to describe a person that was born or lives in Mexico City. For female residents, you would use "chilangas". For the most part, this slang is derogatory and as with any labeling, most people don't find it nice. When using this term, you reckon that a person's mistake, attitude, or lifestyle might be due to the fact that they are from Mexico city.... this can get old quick! For the most part, residents of Mexico city prefer to be called "Capitalinos" since they live in the capital of the country. Of course, a portion of Mexico city residents carry the "chilango" label with pride.
Have you ever met someone who's only capable of explaining himself with excuses and nonsense? Well, that's choro. Made of, pretexts, useless justifications, that's choro. This slang is especially useful if you know the person continuously rambles with nonsense and/or lies. This can reach a point where the person "becomes" the term, as in, "Alvaro es puro choro" - "Alvaro is all nonsense".
Why would a term meaning ''elbow'' might become a mexican spanish slang? Popular belief says that once upon a time some mexican farmers returning from the US, hid their money in bags held at the height of their ribs, so if they got assaulted, coins wouldn't make any noise. Thieves realizing this would say ''loosen the elbows'' (afloja los codos.) Basically codo is a person who doesn't like to share or doesn't lend any money. Someone selfish or egoistical. This term is so common in Mexico that even well-educated frugal people are called "codos".
In a collective culture, like the Mexican culture, if you have money you are somewhat expected to share it with your closest friends and family. That may be one of the reasons why people are quick to call a frugal person "codo".
''Raw'' would be the translation for this slang that by no means is intended to describe a state of the flesh or to render harshness of speech. Crudo in slang means ''hungover''. Girls, if you're ever in this unfortunate state, you're cruda!
Feria is the translation of the word ''fair'' (as in a fun family fair or carnival, not to be mistaken for fairness). Though it has absolutely nothing to do with it. In México, "feria" is all about money. Feria slang means cash, carrying money, wealth (no matter the amount). Some people also refer to loose change or coins as "feria".
These are two of the most popular slangs one can come across in Mexican Spanish. Although these two are also the most misused ones. While fresa means ''strawberry'' and naco means absolutely nothing, in mexican slang they represent polar opposites of the social status quo. Allegedly, fresa is a high-end, classy, wealthy, well-read, cultural, polite person. Naco the counterpart: a rude, classless, poor person. But like any Shakesperian drama, these two are in a constant fight like the Capulets and Montagues. Every self-acclaimed fresa would say that everyone else is naco. Every naco would do the exact opposite. Fresa is stuck up, conceited, vain, even snobbish. Naco is classless, ordinary, even vulgar. In today's slang, being "naco" or "naca" is being "basic".
Few Spanish slang words are used more frequently than this one. "Gacho" means Bad or mean. Ugly or terrible. You can use it to respond to bad news (¡que gacho!), to ask someone to be nice (no seas gacho), or to express that something (or someone) is messed up - (Ese pantalón ya está muy gacho) or (Mi Papá es muy gacho).
In the same way that people finish off sentences with ''dude' or "man”', Mexican Spanish presents you: guey or wey. This term has changed more than any other in Mexican slang. Previously said as buey (an ox), it was a word used to describe someone who was particularly slow or dumb. Even before, the nahuatls used to say huey to show respect to somebody on a higher command. In the 1950's it was used to describe a person who was cheated on, because of the resemblance to the horns of the ox and the emasculation these animals were receiving due to farming processes. Nowadays, it has nothing to do with describing someone. It's used for calling someone rather than their name. In Mexico, both guys and girls use this slang when speaking. Wey or guey is a very versatile word that can be used in many different ways and contexts.
Although it doesn't mean the same thing, think about the way you use "bro" in English, hey bro! (calling) / he's such a bro! (implicit meaning) / come on bro... help me out. (request).
Luego luego literally means ''later later'', but the slang definition is precisely the opposite. When you say luego once, it literally means ''later'' / ''after''. But if you say it two times, it instantly turns into
''right now!''
Mala copa is not a "bad cup", though it could sort of make sense. "Mala copa" refers to a bad drinker, someone who's unable or unwilling to control the amount of alcohol they consume and act on it, usually through tantrums, public displays of aggression, or upsetness.
For the most part, we use this slang to express a bit of anger at the person who is getting wasted AND wants everyone to get on the same level. It is not uncommon for friends to chant in unison "mala copa, mala copa, mala copa" when someone is ruining the mood. We all had (or have!) that friend who can't hold his/her liquor and tends to ruin the party.
''Nosy'', that is a metiche. A person who's always minding everyone else's business, even if they have no clue of what they might be about. Most metiches (plural), tend to be also big chismosos (gossipers). As you can imagine, it's not ideal to be categorized as a "metiche".
Brace yourself. "Neta" is one of the most versatile and widely used slang word in Mexico. This Mexican Spanish slang comes from French or Latin words that mean "net" (pure, spotless).
In Mexico, neta is used to state that what is being said is the truth. It could also be used to say that someone or something is "the real deal". In almost every case, this slang word, neta, is used in a positive light. The only common case where "neta" would be used in a negative light is if someone really did you wrong. In this case, all you would say/ask, "¿neta?" (similar to "I see how it is" in English).
Similar words or phrases in English would be "for real", "really", "seriously", "truthfully, and "honestly".
Incredulity is what these two represent. Major incredulity. No mames literally means ''don't suck'' and no manches means ''don't stain''. But both of them are used to express awe or amazement or fear or surprise to any unexpected situation. A version of ''shut up'' or even ''oh my God''. You really want to express disbelief, skepticism. For the most part, this slang word is specific to Mexico and the United States.
"No mames" can make you sound vulgar in many scenarios, we recommend using "no manches" as it is a more family-friendly slang that is appropriate in almost every situation (even around kids).
Not to be confused with a cardiac arrest (also "paro" in Spanish). When used as Mexican slang, its most popular use is to ask for a favor: házme el paro - do me a favor. In English, a similar version of this slang word would be the phrase "do me a solid".
You use "paro" when you know the person and you're asking for a pretty big favor (in most cases). For example, when you're asking someone to lend you money or pick you up from somewhere. You wouldn't normally use this slang word with someone you don't know or someone you just met as this would be a little too intimate. In that scenario, you would use the word "favor".
Bear with me here - Pedo means ''fart'', but it's used in so many more ways. Let’s get something out of the way first, “pedo” does not have the connotation it has in English. With that said, let’s jump right in!
The Mexican slang word “pedo” can describe a problem/thing, a situation, a state (being insanely drunk), a plan, but it can also be used to greet a friend. Hold on tight as this slang word can be used basically in any sentence you might coherently fit it in. The only time when you would use "peda" (feminine form) is to describe the state of a female being drunk AND to describe a party where a lot of drinking took place.
Let’s go over a few examples using pedo /peda:
Problem: “No hay pedo - there's no problem”
Thing: “¿Qué es ese pedo? - What is that thing?”
Drunk state (masculine or feminine): “¡sigo pedo/a de ayer! - I’m still drunk from yesterday!
Party (feminine): "Que buena peda... - What a great drinking party..."
Situation: “¿Te la hicieron de pedo por ir? - Did they give you sh*t for going?
Style/Quality: “Esa chamarra está al pedo” - “That jacket is pretty sick”.
What's up?: ¿Qué onda?, ¿qué pedo?
A literal translation for “qué onda” would be “what wave” but we really mean "what's up".
See what we meant about “pedo”? In this case, it is used to ask about a particular situation or state of someone or something.
These two slang phrases are used to greet friends (or family members in some households). Although the first one, que onda, is commonly used and accepted in informal atmospheres, the second one, qué pedo, should definitely only be used when one is very close to someone.
A song, a hit. Music! Rola is the term to describe a piece of music, most often used when someone actually likes the song. This slang term is generally used by younger generations but feel free to use it freely if you're feeling groovy.
No, not the name, though it is spelled, written, and read as the name. Simón means ''yes'' (pronounced seeh-mon). There's no relation to "Simon says" or anything like that, it simply an informal yes. Similar to saying "yeah" informally in English.
Before said as a chivato, a young one, someone who bawls, a snitch, mind you, is a term now reduced as vato, nowadays referring or addressing a man, mostly young ones, though it isn’t limited to them. This term has been highly influenced by criminal slang, though its use and meaning have nothing to do with it currently. Today is used just like guy’’ or dude. Pregúntale a ese vato dónde está la farmacia - Ask that guy where the farmacy is?
That wraps it up for this list of Mexican slang. As you probably know, we Mexicans could write a book on the subject as slang is very deeply embedded in our speech.
The emotion behind slang is something we all can be familiar with as every language has its own interesting slang words. Spanish slang allows us to express on a deeper and more personal level, how a situation or a circumstance or a person might be making you feel at one moment; a moment where formality and proper expression do not meet the criteria of singularity. Slang makes us feel comfortable in our own skin, within our own limits; slang has the ability to make informal speech feel like the best way of communication. Although let’s never forget that there are boundaries and certain relationships that do require a specific method of communication.
But when among friends, good company, or someone close to you that might speak Mexican Spanish or any variation of Spanish, feel free to try one of these terms that we bring to you. We’re sure it will make for an interesting conversation.
Because all through history, alongside any chosen language, inhabitants haven't been able to resist the use of a more personal and less formal method of human communication. A way of speech that only their kin would understand, a somewhat almost secret way of communicating things among themselves. That form of common speech, of informal communication, is called: slang. In this post, we'll be covering Spanish slang used specifically in Mexico.
To make a list of all existing Spanish slang for each and every country could take years. We would like to address the 30 most used slang terms in Mexican Spanish, so when you're getting closer to the border, having a holiday in Mexico, or simply stumbling across a Mexican on the street, at school, or in your place of work, you can have a few icebreakers ready to spark a conversation, to show off your Spanish knowledge or just to let the other person know that you are familiar with their culture.
Mexican slang is ingenious, and for the most part, intended for conversational fun. Learning Spanish is about having fun, and slang is a really fun way of getting close to the language. Have some fun!
1. Chafa
Chafa has no literal translation to english -or to any language whatsoever-. Chafa is the slang for stating that something, someone or somewhere has little to no quality.
How to use chafa in a sentence?
Esta serie tiene una producción muy chafa - This series has a low value (or quality) production.
2. A poco
"A poco" is used as a way to express incredulity, the english version of ''no way''. Quite frequently, this Spanish slang is used when people are gossiping about something or someone.
How to use a poco in a sentence?
¿A poco Ana está saliendo con Juan? - No way, Ana is dating Juan?
3. Aguas
While aguas could be translated as ''waters'', which makes no sense for this application, "aguas" is used for prevention, the slang for ''watch out''. This slang started back in colonial times when people threw buckets of water out the window and screamed "aguas"!! (or "waters"!!) to warn pedestrians.
How to use aguas in a sentence?
La comida está muy picosa, ¡aguas! - The food is too spicy, watch out!
4. Albur
This has no use in a sentence other than stating its meaning. Albur is word play that involves double entendre, mostly sexual. Very commonly used, albures (the plural) are the everyday of some people. Target could be gudgeons or friends, it's never appropriate because it's intended to display masculinity or lack thereof.
*Dejemos de usar albures - Let's stop using sexual double-entendre.
5. Antro
Antro (derived from greek antron cavern, cave) is used to describe a ''club'', a place to dance, drink and have fun. This Spanish slang is used by the younger crowd. Older Mexican men or women would say "disco" or "discoteca", a word that comes from the French word "discotheque".
How to use antro in a sentence?
¡Vamos al antro! - Let's go to the club!
6. Carnal / Compa / Cuate
There are friends and there are really good friends. Tighter bonds require tighter, more familiar terms. In Mexico, a carnal, a compa, a cuate, is someone who you truly regard as a friend, almost like a brother. Carnal, as you may guess, is a friend who's worth is just like a brother or even worthier. Compa, might be a person you just met or a person you see every now and then, like a fella. Cuate is a friend, any friend for that matter, regardless of the relationship.
How to use carnal in a sentence?
Jazz es más que mi amigo, es mi carnal - Jazz is more than a friend, he's my brother.
7. ¡A huevo!
Perhaps the first thing you may notice is that Spanish uses both exclamation marks - it begins to explain how passionate Spanish as a language is! While huevo literally translates as ''egg'', there's no relation to it at all. There's many uses for this expression, but for the most part, it add excitement to a phrase or confirms a statement.
WARNING: Be careful with "a huevo" as it is considered a bad word by many. It is only used in informal settings!
How to use ¡a huevo! in a sentence?
''Voy a ir al concierto, ¡a huevo! - I'm going to the concert, hell yes! OR ¡Tienes que hacerlo a huevo! - You have to do it, whether you like it or not!
8. Chale
Chale is also one of those words that have no rational meaning, not even in Spanish. This is where Spanish slang gets pretty interesting. It is said that this word originated mainly from contractions of other words, such as chales, charros and chin; all of them words to describe surprise, annoyance, or concern. This word is very similar to "bummer" or "damn" in English, please excuse my language... I'm doing my best to describe this versatile word!
How to use chale in a sentence?
''Vamos abajo 50 puntos, ¡chale! - We're down 50 points, bummer!
9. Chamba
Chamba means work or job. It's a term originated in the 1940's by mexican immigrants in the United States. When these farmers and bracers went to the Chamber of Commerce to ask for a new job, in between them, with their bad english they would say that they we're going to the Chamba. That's one of the theories, at least.
How to use chamba in a sentence?
Dwight ama su chamba - Dwight loves his job.
10. Chela/Cheve
When it comes to these two, there's not one held theory about where or how these slangs started. Some claim it is a contraction, others that it has Mayan roots. One thing we know for sure is the joy it brings to everyone. Chela or cheve mean beer. A brewski, a brew, a cold one.
How to use chela in a sentence?
Tengo ganas de unas chelas - I'm in the mood for some brews.
11. Chido/Padre
While chido has no sense and padre translates as ''father'', both of these express coolness. That something is nice, pretty or pleasant.
How to use chido in a sentence?
Este es el carro/coche más chido/padre que he visto - This is the coolest car I have seen.
12. Chilango
If gringo rings a bell to you, "chilango" rings another one to Mexicans. Chilango is slang to describe a person that was born or lives in Mexico City. For female residents, you would use "chilangas". For the most part, this slang is derogatory and as with any labeling, most people don't find it nice. When using this term, you reckon that a person's mistake, attitude, or lifestyle might be due to the fact that they are from Mexico city.... this can get old quick! For the most part, residents of Mexico city prefer to be called "Capitalinos" since they live in the capital of the country. Of course, a portion of Mexico city residents carry the "chilango" label with pride.
How to use chilango in a sentence?
¿Porqué me preguntas si soy chilango? - Why do you ask if I'm Chilango?
13. Choro
Have you ever met someone who's only capable of explaining himself with excuses and nonsense? Well, that's choro. Made of, pretexts, useless justifications, that's choro. This slang is especially useful if you know the person continuously rambles with nonsense and/or lies. This can reach a point where the person "becomes" the term, as in, "Alvaro es puro choro" - "Alvaro is all nonsense".
How to use choro in a sentence?
Lo que me acaba de decir es puro choro - What he just said to me is nonsense.
14. Codo
Why would a term meaning ''elbow'' might become a mexican spanish slang? Popular belief says that once upon a time some mexican farmers returning from the US, hid their money in bags held at the height of their ribs, so if they got assaulted, coins wouldn't make any noise. Thieves realizing this would say ''loosen the elbows'' (afloja los codos.) Basically codo is a person who doesn't like to share or doesn't lend any money. Someone selfish or egoistical. This term is so common in Mexico that even well-educated frugal people are called "codos".
In a collective culture, like the Mexican culture, if you have money you are somewhat expected to share it with your closest friends and family. That may be one of the reasons why people are quick to call a frugal person "codo".
How to use codo in a sentence?
Mi papá no me quiso dar dinero para comprar un helado, es muy codo - My dad didn't want to give me money for ice cream, he's very selfish.
15. Crudo / Cruda
''Raw'' would be the translation for this slang that by no means is intended to describe a state of the flesh or to render harshness of speech. Crudo in slang means ''hungover''. Girls, if you're ever in this unfortunate state, you're cruda!
How to use crudo in a sentence?
Por favor no grites, estoy cruda - Please don't yell, I'm hungover
16. Feria
Feria is the translation of the word ''fair'' (as in a fun family fair or carnival, not to be mistaken for fairness). Though it has absolutely nothing to do with it. In México, "feria" is all about money. Feria slang means cash, carrying money, wealth (no matter the amount). Some people also refer to loose change or coins as "feria".
How to use feria in a sentence?
¡Rodrigo tiene mucha feria! - Rodrigo has a lot of cash (or is "rich")!
17. Fresa / Naco
These are two of the most popular slangs one can come across in Mexican Spanish. Although these two are also the most misused ones. While fresa means ''strawberry'' and naco means absolutely nothing, in mexican slang they represent polar opposites of the social status quo. Allegedly, fresa is a high-end, classy, wealthy, well-read, cultural, polite person. Naco the counterpart: a rude, classless, poor person. But like any Shakesperian drama, these two are in a constant fight like the Capulets and Montagues. Every self-acclaimed fresa would say that everyone else is naco. Every naco would do the exact opposite. Fresa is stuck up, conceited, vain, even snobbish. Naco is classless, ordinary, even vulgar. In today's slang, being "naco" or "naca" is being "basic".
Pro Tip: Be careful with "naca", "naco", or "fresa". In most cases, as you can see from the example below, you're not being nice!
How to use naco or naca in a sentence?
¿Ya viste trae puesto Emma? Que naca...
- Have you seen what Emma is wearing? She's so basic
18 - Gacho / Gacha
Few Spanish slang words are used more frequently than this one. "Gacho" means Bad or mean. Ugly or terrible. You can use it to respond to bad news (¡que gacho!), to ask someone to be nice (no seas gacho), or to express that something (or someone) is messed up - (Ese pantalón ya está muy gacho) or (Mi Papá es muy gacho).
How to use gacho or gacha in a sentence?
Ven conmigo a la fiesta, no seas gacho -
Come with me to the party, don't be mean!
19 - Guey/Wey
In the same way that people finish off sentences with ''dude' or "man”', Mexican Spanish presents you: guey or wey. This term has changed more than any other in Mexican slang. Previously said as buey (an ox), it was a word used to describe someone who was particularly slow or dumb. Even before, the nahuatls used to say huey to show respect to somebody on a higher command. In the 1950's it was used to describe a person who was cheated on, because of the resemblance to the horns of the ox and the emasculation these animals were receiving due to farming processes. Nowadays, it has nothing to do with describing someone. It's used for calling someone rather than their name. In Mexico, both guys and girls use this slang when speaking. Wey or guey is a very versatile word that can be used in many different ways and contexts.
Although it doesn't mean the same thing, think about the way you use "bro" in English, hey bro! (calling) / he's such a bro! (implicit meaning) / come on bro... help me out. (request).
WARNING: Wey or guey is only used in informal settings with people close to you. Never use this slang if you don't know the person you're talking to. Using this word randomly will be offensive to most Mexicans.
How to use guey / wey in a sentence?
¡Vamonos wey! - Let's go, dude!
20 - Luego luego!!
Luego luego literally means ''later later'', but the slang definition is precisely the opposite. When you say luego once, it literally means ''later'' / ''after''. But if you say it two times, it instantly turns into
''right now!''
Tip from a native speaker: Luego luego is not something you would use with a random person. It is used to put additional "pressure" on someone. Mexican mom's are known for using this slang when asking something from their children (please don't shoot the messenger). A spouse that has had enough may use this slang. Last but not least, it is also Spanish slang that a horrible boss use!
How to use luego luego in a sentence?
Necesito que me resuelvas esto, pero luego luego - I need you to solve this, but right now.
21 - Mala copa
Mala copa is not a "bad cup", though it could sort of make sense. "Mala copa" refers to a bad drinker, someone who's unable or unwilling to control the amount of alcohol they consume and act on it, usually through tantrums, public displays of aggression, or upsetness.
For the most part, we use this slang to express a bit of anger at the person who is getting wasted AND wants everyone to get on the same level. It is not uncommon for friends to chant in unison "mala copa, mala copa, mala copa" when someone is ruining the mood. We all had (or have!) that friend who can't hold his/her liquor and tends to ruin the party.
How to use mala copa in a sentence?
Tu amiga es muy mala copa - Your friend is a very bad drinker.
22 - Metiche
''Nosy'', that is a metiche. A person who's always minding everyone else's business, even if they have no clue of what they might be about. Most metiches (plural), tend to be also big chismosos (gossipers). As you can imagine, it's not ideal to be categorized as a "metiche".
How to use metiche in a sentence?
Esta conversación no te incumbe, no seas metiche
- This conversation is none of your business, don't be nosy.
23 - Neta
Brace yourself. "Neta" is one of the most versatile and widely used slang word in Mexico. This Mexican Spanish slang comes from French or Latin words that mean "net" (pure, spotless).
In Mexico, neta is used to state that what is being said is the truth. It could also be used to say that someone or something is "the real deal". In almost every case, this slang word, neta, is used in a positive light. The only common case where "neta" would be used in a negative light is if someone really did you wrong. In this case, all you would say/ask, "¿neta?" (similar to "I see how it is" in English).
Similar words or phrases in English would be "for real", "really", "seriously", "truthfully, and "honestly".
How to use neta in a sentence?
Siempre que hablo con mis papás me hablan con la neta -
Every time I speak with my parents they talk to me with the truth.
Neta no vas a ir a la fiesta? - Are you really not going to the party?
24 - No mames/No manches
Incredulity is what these two represent. Major incredulity. No mames literally means ''don't suck'' and no manches means ''don't stain''. But both of them are used to express awe or amazement or fear or surprise to any unexpected situation. A version of ''shut up'' or even ''oh my God''. You really want to express disbelief, skepticism. For the most part, this slang word is specific to Mexico and the United States.
"No mames" can make you sound vulgar in many scenarios, we recommend using "no manches" as it is a more family-friendly slang that is appropriate in almost every situation (even around kids).
WARNING: Be careful with "no mames" as it is only used in informal settings. It is technically a bad word and should be be used with people you don't know and people of "higher authority".
How to use no mames/no manches in a sentence?
¡No mames! Creo que gané un iPad - No freaking way! I think I won an iPad
OR ''No mames... se me olvidaron las llaves - Oh my God... I forgot the keys
25 - Paro
Not to be confused with a cardiac arrest (also "paro" in Spanish). When used as Mexican slang, its most popular use is to ask for a favor: házme el paro - do me a favor. In English, a similar version of this slang word would be the phrase "do me a solid".
You use "paro" when you know the person and you're asking for a pretty big favor (in most cases). For example, when you're asking someone to lend you money or pick you up from somewhere. You wouldn't normally use this slang word with someone you don't know or someone you just met as this would be a little too intimate. In that scenario, you would use the word "favor".
How to use paro in a sentence?
''Paro no les digas que no fui a trabajar hoy -
PLEASE don't tell them I didn't go to work today"
26 - Pedo / Peda
Bear with me here - Pedo means ''fart'', but it's used in so many more ways. Let’s get something out of the way first, “pedo” does not have the connotation it has in English. With that said, let’s jump right in!
The Mexican slang word “pedo” can describe a problem/thing, a situation, a state (being insanely drunk), a plan, but it can also be used to greet a friend. Hold on tight as this slang word can be used basically in any sentence you might coherently fit it in. The only time when you would use "peda" (feminine form) is to describe the state of a female being drunk AND to describe a party where a lot of drinking took place.
It's important to note that using this slang word is ALWAYS informal - Proceed with caution.
Let’s go over a few examples using pedo /peda:
Problem: “No hay pedo - there's no problem”
Thing: “¿Qué es ese pedo? - What is that thing?”
Drunk state (masculine or feminine): “¡sigo pedo/a de ayer! - I’m still drunk from yesterday!
Party (feminine): "Que buena peda... - What a great drinking party..."
Situation: “¿Te la hicieron de pedo por ir? - Did they give you sh*t for going?
Style/Quality: “Esa chamarra está al pedo” - “That jacket is pretty sick”.
WARNING: The word pedo or peda should NOT be used with people you don’t know, it is seen as vulgar by many and it is definitely not appropriate in formal situations
How to use pedo / peda in a sentence?
Ella está peda - She is pretty drunk
OR
¡Que buena peda! - What a good drinking party!
27. Qué onda/ Qué pedo
What's up?: ¿Qué onda?, ¿qué pedo?
A literal translation for “qué onda” would be “what wave” but we really mean "what's up".
See what we meant about “pedo”? In this case, it is used to ask about a particular situation or state of someone or something.
These two slang phrases are used to greet friends (or family members in some households). Although the first one, que onda, is commonly used and accepted in informal atmospheres, the second one, qué pedo, should definitely only be used when one is very close to someone.
Careful with "qué pedo”, it is only used in informal settings. You can easily sound vulgar using this slang. A more friendly variation is "que onda”.
How to use que onda or que pedo in a sentence?
“Que onda con Emilia? - What’s up with Emilia?
28 - Rola
A song, a hit. Music! Rola is the term to describe a piece of music, most often used when someone actually likes the song. This slang term is generally used by younger generations but feel free to use it freely if you're feeling groovy.
How to use rola in a sentence?
Que buena rola - What a great track/song
29 - Simón
No, not the name, though it is spelled, written, and read as the name. Simón means ''yes'' (pronounced seeh-mon). There's no relation to "Simon says" or anything like that, it simply an informal yes. Similar to saying "yeah" informally in English.
30 - Vato
Before said as a chivato, a young one, someone who bawls, a snitch, mind you, is a term now reduced as vato, nowadays referring or addressing a man, mostly young ones, though it isn’t limited to them. This term has been highly influenced by criminal slang, though its use and meaning have nothing to do with it currently. Today is used just like guy’’ or dude. Pregúntale a ese vato dónde está la farmacia - Ask that guy where the farmacy is?
That wraps it up for this list of Mexican slang. As you probably know, we Mexicans could write a book on the subject as slang is very deeply embedded in our speech.
The emotion behind slang is something we all can be familiar with as every language has its own interesting slang words. Spanish slang allows us to express on a deeper and more personal level, how a situation or a circumstance or a person might be making you feel at one moment; a moment where formality and proper expression do not meet the criteria of singularity. Slang makes us feel comfortable in our own skin, within our own limits; slang has the ability to make informal speech feel like the best way of communication. Although let’s never forget that there are boundaries and certain relationships that do require a specific method of communication.
But when among friends, good company, or someone close to you that might speak Mexican Spanish or any variation of Spanish, feel free to try one of these terms that we bring to you. We’re sure it will make for an interesting conversation.
