¡Híjole! It’s time to learn some Mexican slang. Mastering Spanish isn’t only about learning the grammar rules and vocabulary lists; it’s also about flavoring and enjoying every aspect of the colloquial expressions that shape everyday communication. This includes knowing when to break these rules and understand when it’s appropriate to use slang words. If you are aiming to become fluent in Spanish and want to celebrate by impressing your Mexican friends with your rich vocabulary, then this is the right article for you.
In this article, we delve into the rich world of Mexican slang with 60 expressions that will give you everything you need to talk to Mexican abuelitas selling you chilaquiles on the street or to hold a conversation with every Mexican you encounter. Some of these can be amazing ways to break the ice, create rapport, and show off your Spanish abilities in the workplace.
OK, but what is Mexican slang?
Mexican slang is a mix of rich and varied expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversations by Mexicans or Mexican residents; some of these are also shared with other dialects of various Latin American countries. They’re used mostly in informal contexts, since they include a vast range of Spanish swear words.
Improve your Spanish language skills
5 reasons why it is important to learn Mexican slang
- You will be able to foster stronger connections with Mexican residents and citizens worldwide. Every Mexican slang word you learn represents a new piece of the bridge that will connect you to one of the richest cultures in the world.
- Inside jokes are no fun when you don’t understand what’s going on. Being a part of these conversations creates a deeper sense of belonging.
- Learning Mexican slang contributes to a more polished and authentic Spanish fluency.
- It’s not only useful in Mexico. Everywhere you go, and even more so if you enjoy Mexican music and food, you will find a Mexican community. Also, considering the significant population of Spanish speakers in the United States, including a substantial number of Mexican-Americans, familiarity with Mexican slang is particularly advantageous for effective communication and social integration with these communities.
- You’ll be able to enjoy the show Narcos: Mexico on Netflix as you’re supposed to. It’s always good to relax after a long day at work and practice your Spanish by watching a series. If you didn’t know, then narco is the Mexican slang name for a gangster.
Keep reading if you want to learn the Mexican slang terms needed to pass the biggest Spanish test: a real-life, improvised conversation.
Slang Mexican words and phrases with context and examples
Bueno
“Bueno” is a common Spanish greeting used when answering the phone. The literal translation is “good,” but it’s used as “hello” when we are picking up the phone, as a greeting. It is a polite and friendly way to acknowledge the caller and initiate a conversation. It sets a positive tone for the interaction and indicates that the person answering the call is attentive and ready to engage in a discussion.
“¡Bueno! ¿Con quién tengo el gusto de hablar?” – (Hello! Who am I speaking to?)
Wey / Güey
“Wey” or “Güey” is like the Swiss Army knife of Mexican slang. It’s like saying “dude” or “bro” in English, but with a spicy twist. You use it to refer to your pals, your buddies, or even to someone you’re playfully annoyed with. If you were wondering what Mexicans call each other in slang, then “wey” is your answer.
“¡Oye wey, vamos a comer cochinita pibil!” – (Hey dude, let’s go grab some cochinita pibil!)
Ese
“Ese” is like the cool older cousin of “wey.” It’s a way of addressing someone, often used to refer to a friend or a familiar person, and it’s like saying “man” or “guy” in English.
“¿Qué onda, ese? ¿Cómo estás?” – (What’s up, man? How are you?)
Chavo
“Chavo” is the Mexican way of saying “guy” or “kid.” It’s an affectionate term used to refer to a young boy or a young man.
“Ese chavo es muy amable.” – (That guy is very kind.)
¿Qué pasó?
“¿Qué pasó?” is the Mexican way of asking “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?” It’s like checking in with someone to see how they’re doing.
“¡Hola, amigo! ¿Qué pasó contigo hoy?” – (Hey, buddy! What’s been going on with you today?)
¿Qué onda?
“¿Qué onda?” is a super casual way of asking “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” It’s like checking the vibe and seeing what’s happening.
“¿Qué onda, compa? ¿Vamos al partido?” – (What’s up, buddy? Are we going to the game?)
¿Qué tal?
“¿Qué tal?” is like asking “How’s it going?” or “How are you?” It’s a friendly and polite way to check in on someone.
“¡Hola, prima! ¿Qué tal estás hoy?” – (Hello, cousin! How are you today?)
¡No manches!
“¡No manches!” is a versatile expression that can convey anything from surprise to disbelief. It’s like saying “No way!” or “You’re kidding me!” in English, with a dash of Mexican flair.
“¡No manches, ganamos el partido!” – (No way, we won the game!)
¿Neta?
“¿Neta?” is the Mexican way of asking “Really?” or “Seriously?” It’s used to seek confirmation or express skepticism, similar to “Are you serious?” in English.
“¡Gané la lotería!” – “¿Neta?” – (I won the lottery! – Seriously?)
¡Órale!
“¡Órale!” is a spirited exclamation that can mean anything from “OK!” to “Let’s go!” It’s a versatile term, often used to express excitement, agreement, or encouragement.
“¡Órale, vamos a la playa!” – (Alright, let’s go to the beach!)
¿Mande? (or “¿Mande usted?” when talking to older people)
“¿Mande?” is a polite way of asking someone to repeat what they said. It’s like saying “Pardon?” or “Could you repeat that?” in English, but with a touch of Mexican courtesy.
“Me dijo que vienen a visitarnos.” – “¿Mande?” – (He said they’re coming to visit us. – Pardon?)
¿A poco?
“¿A poco?” is a colloquial way of expressing doubt or surprise. It’s similar to saying “Really?” or “You don’t say!” in English.
“Voy a ir de viaje a Europa.” – “¿A poco?” – (I’m going on a trip to Europe. – Really?)
¡Aguas!
“¡Aguas!” is an alert used to warn someone of potential danger or to watch out for something. It’s like saying “Watch out!” or “Be careful!” in English, with a touch of urgency.
“¡Aguas! El piso está resbaladizo.” – (Watch out! The floor is slippery.)
¡Cálmate!
“¡Cálmate!” is like asking someone to take a chill pill and relax. It’s a way of saying “Calm down!” or “Take it easy!” in a slightly assertive yet friendly manner.
“¡Cálmate, amigo, todo estará bien!” – (Calm down, my friend, everything will be alright!)
Está cañón
“Está cañón” is like admitting that something is challenging or difficult. It’s a colloquial way of saying “It’s tough!” or “It’s hard!” when you’re facing a challenging situation, and is a softer way of saying something a bit more on the vulgar side, like “Está cabrón.”
“Aprender a tocar la guitarra está cañón, pero no imposible.” – (Learning to play the guitar is tough, but not impossible.)
¡Eso que ni qué!
“¡Eso que ni qué!” is like firmly asserting that something is absolutely true. It’s a way of saying “That’s for sure!” or “You bet!” to emphasize the certainty of a statement.
“¿Crees que voy a perder la oportunidad de ir al concierto? ¡Eso que ni qué!” – (Do you think I’d miss the chance to go to the concert? You bet I won’t!)
Te crees muy muy
“Te crees muy muy” is like teasing someone who’s acting a bit too cocky. It’s a playful way of saying “You think you’re all that!” or “You’re full of yourself!” in a lighthearted manner.
“Se compró un coche nuevo y ahora se cree muy muy.” – (He bought a new car and now he thinks he’s all that.)
Feria
“Feria” is a way of talking about money without sounding too serious. It’s a slang term for cash or money that’s often used in casual conversation.
“¿Tienes la feria para ir al cine?” – (Do you have the cash to go to the movies?)
No hay bronca
“No hay bronca” is a way of assuring someone that there’s no problem at all. It’s like saying “No worries!” or “No problem!” to ease any tensions or concerns.
“Gracias por la ayuda, amigo.” – “No hay bronca, para eso estamos.” – (Thanks for the help, buddy. – No worries, that’s what friends are for.)
No hay tos
“No hay tos” is like saying that there’s no problem or obstacle that can’t be overcome. It’s a positive affirmation that “There’s no issue!” or “No worries!” in the face of a challenge.
“Vamos a solucionar este problema, ¡no hay tos!” – (We’ll solve this issue, no problem!)
Chale
“Chale” is a way of expressing disappointment or disapproval. It’s a versatile expression that can mean “Darn it!” or “Bummer!” when something doesn’t go as expected.
“Chale, se me olvidaron las llaves en casa.” – (Darn it, I forgot my keys at home.)
¡Guácala!
“¡Guácala!” is like making a face when you taste something awful. It’s an exclamation of disgust that’s similar to saying “Yuck!” or “Gross!” when something is unpleasant.
“¡Guácala, este jugo está agrio!” – (Yuck, this juice is sour!)
¡Qué padre!
“¡Qué padre!” is a way of expressing genuine excitement or enthusiasm about something. It’s a way of saying “How awesome!” or “That’s great!” when something is genuinely enjoyable or exciting.
“¡Qué padre está el concierto de esta noche!” – (Tonight’s concert is so awesome!)
Ándale
“Ándale” can be used to encourage someone to keep going or to do something quickly. It’s a versatile term that can mean “Come on!” or “Hurry up!” depending on the context.
“Ándale, no te tardes, vamos a llegar tarde.” – (Hurry up, don’t take too long; we’ll be late.)
“Ándale” can also mean “exactly.” For instance, if someone expresses an opinion, such as “I think Einstein was one of the greatest scientists of all time,” then “¡Ándale!” could be an appropriate response to show agreement.
La tira
“La tira” is a colloquial way of referring to the police. It’s a term commonly used to talk about law enforcement authorities in a casual conversation.
“Tuvo que hablar con la tira después del accidente.” – (He had to talk to the police after the accident.)
Coda
“Coda” refers to the conclusion or ending part of something. In slang, it can also mean the final event or the last bit of an experience.
“El concierto estuvo increíble, la coda fue un momento emocionante.” – (The concert was amazing; the ending was an emotional moment.)
Sale
“Sale” is a versatile term that can mean “sounds good” or “OK.” It’s often used to confirm an agreement or to acknowledge someone’s suggestion.
“¿Vamos al cine?” – “Sale, nos vemos allí a las siete.” – (Let’s go to the movies? – OK, see you there at seven.)
Ahorita
“Ahorita” is a time-related term that means “in a little while” or “in a moment.” However, in Mexican slang, it might sometimes imply a longer wait than expected.
“Termino el trabajo ahorita y luego nos vemos.” – (I’ll finish work in a bit and then we’ll meet.)
Ni modo
“Ni modo” is to accept a situation that can’t be changed. It’s a way of saying “Oh well” or “Nothing can be done about it” when dealing with an unavoidable circumstance.
“No hay más pizza, tendremos que conformarnos con lo que hay.” – “Ni modo.” – (There’s no more pizza; we’ll have to make do with what’s available. – Oh well.)
Qué huevón
“Qué huevón” is a colloquial way of calling someone lazy or unproductive. It’s a slang term used to describe someone who’s not making an effort.
“Siempre llega tarde al trabajo, ¡qué huevón!” – (He’s always late to work, what a lazy guy!)
Paro
“Paro” is a term often used to refer to an issue or problem. It can also mean a conflict or a dispute, especially when discussing a situation that needs resolution.
“Tenemos que resolver este paro antes de que empeore.” – (We need to resolve this issue before it gets worse.)
Chamba
“Chamba” is a slang term for work or a job. It’s a colloquial way of referring to employment or a task that needs to be completed.
“Me gusta mi chamba, pero a veces es muy estresante.” – (I like my job, but sometimes it’s very stressful.)
Chido
“Chido” is a term used to describe something as cool, nice, or attractive. It’s a slang expression commonly used to express appreciation for something pleasing.
“Esa playera que llevas puesta está muy chida.” – (That shirt you’re wearing is really cool.)
Cholo
“Cholo” is a term used to describe a person, often of Mexican descent, who embraces a particular subcultural identity characterized by specific clothing and behavior.
“El barrio está lleno de chicanos y cholos.” – (The neighborhood is full of Mexican-Americans and cholos.)
Ratero
“Ratero” is a slang term for a thief or a pickpocket. It’s often used to describe someone who steals things, whether in a petty or a serious manner.
“Debes tener cuidado con tus pertenencias en esa zona, hay muchos rateros.” – (You should be careful with your belongings in that area; there are many thieves.)
Chilango
“Chilango” is a colloquial term used to refer to people from Mexico City. It’s a way of identifying someone as a native or resident of the country’s capital.
“Los chilangos son conocidos por su amor a la comida callejera.” – (Chilangos are known for their love of street food.)
Chicano
“Chicano” is a term used to refer to people of Mexican descent living in the United States. It’s a way of identifying individuals of Mexican heritage who have grown up or live in the US.
“Los chicanos celebran el Día de los Muertos con gran entusiasmo.” – (Chicanos celebrate the Day of the Dead with great enthusiasm.)
Jefe
“Jefe” is a term used to refer to a boss or someone in a position of authority. It’s a colloquial way of addressing someone with respect, particularly in a professional setting.
“Buenos días, jefe. ¿Cómo le puedo ayudar hoy?” – (Good morning, boss. How can I help you today?)
Pocho
“Pocho” is a term used to describe a person of Mexican descent who has assimilated into American culture, often with limited proficiency in Spanish. It can also refer to someone who has lost touch with their Mexican roots.
“A pesar de ser de ascendencia mexicana, se considera a sí mismo un pocho.” – (Despite being of Mexican descent, he considers himself a pocho.)
Sale y vale
“Sale y vale” is a popular slang phrase that essentially means “alright then” or “OK, buddy.” It’s a casual way of agreeing to something or acknowledging a statement, but it is normally pronounced very quickly, almost as one word, like “saleyvale.”
“Vamos a la fiesta esta noche.” – “Sale y vale, nos vemos allí.” – (We’re going to the party tonight. – Alright then, see you there.)
Ya estás
“Ya estás” is a phrase that can mean “That’s enough” or “Stop it.” It’s often used to tell someone to cease their actions or words.
“Ya estás, no me hables así.” – (That’s enough; don’t talk to me like that.)
Chanclas
“Chanclas” refers to flip-flops or sandals. In slang, it can be used to describe a low-quality or cheap item, similar to the English slang “janky.” In other Spanish-speaking countries, it means “flip-flops.”
“Esa camiseta que compraste es bien chanclas.” – (That shirt you bought is really janky.)
Estoy crudo
“Estoy crudo” is a way of saying “I’m hung over” in Mexican slang. It’s used to describe the feeling of discomfort or illness after drinking too much alcohol. In other Latin American countries, the slang for this is “Tengo ratón,” and if you want the formal word for it, you can use “resaca.”
“No puedo ir al trabajo hoy, estoy crudo.” – (I can’t go to work today; I’m hung over.)
Malacopa
“Malacopa” is a term used to describe someone who becomes belligerent or rowdy when they drink alcohol. It’s a slang term for a person who can’t handle their liquor well.
“Debes vigilar a tu amigo, se pone malacopa después de unas cervezas.” – (You should keep an eye on your friend. He gets rowdy after a few beers.)
Suave
“Suave” is a versatile slang term that can mean “easy,” “cool,” or “Take it easy.” It’s used in various contexts to encourage relaxation or to express agreement.
“Suave, no te preocupes tanto.” – (Take it easy, don’t worry so much.)
Pinche
“Pinche” is a commonly used profanity in Mexican slang. It can be used as an adjective to express frustration, anger, or annoyance, similar to the English profanity “damn” or “Damn it.”
“¡Pinche tráfico, siempre tan pesado!” – (Damn traffic, always so annoying!)
Chafa
“Chafa” is an adjective used to describe something that is of poor quality or not up to standards. It’s similar to the English slang term “crappy” or “shoddy.”
“No compres esa computadora, es bien chafa.” – (Don’t buy that computer – it’s really crappy.)
Cagarla
“Cagarla” is a colloquial expression meaning “to mess up” or “to make a mistake.” It’s often used when someone makes a significant error or blunder.
“Lo siento, caguéla con el informe de ayer.” – (I’m sorry; I messed up with yesterday’s report.)
Cagó
“Cagó” is the past tense of the verb “cagar,” which means “to mess up” or “to make a mistake.” It’s used to indicate that something went wrong or didn’t turn out as planned.
“La cagó en el examen de matemáticas.” – (He messed up on the math exam.)
¿Quién la cagó?
“¿Quién la cagó?” is an informal way of asking “Who messed up?” It’s used to inquire about the person responsible for making a mistake or causing a problem.
“¿Quién la cagó con la preparación del proyecto?” – (Who messed up with the project preparation?)
Me cagó
“Me cagó” is a phrase that translates to “He screwed me over” or “He cheated me.” It’s used when someone feels deceived or taken advantage of.
“El vendedor me cagó con la calidad de este producto.” – (The seller cheated me with the quality of this product.)
¿Qué pedo?
“¿Qué pedo?” is an informal way of asking “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?” It’s a casual expression used to check in with someone and inquire about their current situation.
“¿Qué pedo, cómo has estado?” – (What’s up; how have you been?)
No hay pedo
“No hay pedo” is a phrase that means “No problem” or “It’s all good.” It’s used to indicate that there is no issue or trouble in a particular situation.
“Le presté mi auto y me lo regresó con un rayón, pero le dije que no hay pedo.” – (I lent him my car, and he returned it with a scratch, but I told him it’s all good.)
Ando bien pedo
“Ando bien pedo” is a way of saying “I am very drunk” or “I am wasted.” It’s used to convey a state of being heavily intoxicated.
“No recuerdo nada de lo que pasó anoche, andaba bien pedo.” – (I don’t remember anything that happened last night. I was really drunk.)
¡No mames!
“¡No mames!” is a versatile phrase used to express shock, disbelief, or amazement. It can be translated to “No way!” or “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“¡No mames, ganamos el premio mayor!” – (No way, we won the jackpot!)
¡Madres!
“¡Madres!” is an interjection used to express frustration, anger, or surprise. It can be used similarly to the English exclamation “Damn!” or “Darn it!”
“Madres, olvidé mi billetera en casa.” – (Damn, I forgot my wallet at home.)
Me vale madres
“Me vale madres” is a crude expression that conveys indifference or apathy. It can be translated to “I don’t give a damn” or “I don’t care at all.”
“Me vale madres lo que piensen los demás de mí.” – (I don’t give a damn about what others think of me.)
¡Puta madre!
“¡Puta madre!” is an exclamation used to express anger, disappointment, or frustration. It can be translated to “Damn it!” or “Son of a gun!”
“¡Puta madre, se me olvidaron las llaves adentro del carro!” – (Damn it, I forgot my keys inside the car!)
Poca madre
“Poca madre” is a phrase used to describe something as impressive, cool, or awesome. It’s a colloquial expression used to convey admiration or respect.
“Esa banda de rock es poca madre, ¡tienen un sonido increíble!” – (That rock band is awesome. They have an amazing sound!)
Perro
“Perro” is a slang term for a person who is cunning or sly. It’s often used to describe someone who is street-smart or clever in navigating various situations. In other Latin American countries this slang means “player.”
“Ese tipo es un perro, siempre encuentra la manera de salirse con la suya.” – (That guy is a sly one. He always finds a way to get what he wants.)
Hijo de puta / Hijo de perra
“Hijo de puta” or “Hijo de perra” is an offensive term used to insult someone. It translates to “son of a bitch” and is used to express anger or contempt toward an individual.
“Ese tipo es un verdadero hijo de puta, no se puede confiar en él.” – (That guy is a real son of a bitch. You can’t trust him.)
¿Qué estás haciendo, güey?
“¿Qué estás haciendo, güey?” is a casual way of asking “What are you doing, dude?” It’s a friendly and informal inquiry about someone’s current activities or actions.
“¿Qué estás haciendo, güey? Vamos a jugar videojuegos.” – (What are you doing, dude? Let’s play video games.)
Pomo
“Pomo” is a slang term for a club or party. It’s often used to refer to a social gathering or an event where people come together to have fun.
“Vamos al pomo esta noche, va a estar muy divertido.” – (Let’s go to the party tonight; it’s going to be a lot of fun.)
Culo
“Culo” is a slang term for the buttocks or the backside. It’s a casual way of referring to this part of the body in everyday conversations.
“Me caí y me golpeé el culo.” – (I fell down and hit my butt.)
Culero
“Culero” is an offensive term used to describe someone as unpleasant, mean, or contemptible. It’s often used to insult or belittle someone’s character.
“Ese tipo es muy culero, siempre está buscando problemas.” – (That guy is very mean. He’s always looking for trouble.)
Pendejo
“Pendejo” is a derogatory term used to insult someone, implying that they are foolish, stupid, or incompetent. It’s a strong expression used to show contempt or disdain. It’s also spelled “Bendejo.”
“No seas pendejo, sabes que eso no es verdad.” – (Don’t be stupid; you know that’s not true.)
Chingar
“Chingar” is a versatile profane verb that can mean various things depending on the context. It can be used to express annoyance, to work hard, or to describe a forceful action, among other meanings.
“Estoy cansado de chingar todo el día.” – (I’m tired of working hard all day.)
Cabrón
“Cabrón” is a slang term used to describe someone as tough, resilient, or skilled. It can also be used as an insult, implying that someone is deceitful or cunning.
“Ese boxeador es bien cabrón, nunca se rinde en el ring.” – (That boxer is tough. He never gives up in the ring.)
Huevo
“Huevo” is a slang term for the male reproductive organ. Its literal translation is “egg,” but this slang term is often used as a crude expression or an expletive in various contexts.
“Me lastimé los huevos jugando fútbol.” – (I hurt my balls playing soccer.)
Verga
“Verga” is a vulgar slang term for the male reproductive organ. It’s often used as an expletive or an intensifier in different situations.
“¡Qué verga, olvidé mi cartera en casa!” – (Damn it, I forgot my wallet at home!)
¡A la verga!
“¡A la verga!” is an exclamation used to express frustration, anger, or dismissal. It can be translated as “Go to hell!” or “Screw it!” in English.
“¡A la verga con esta situación, no puedo más!” – (Screw this situation; I can’t take it anymore!)
Panocha
“Panocha” is a slang term for a woman’s private parts. It’s a vulgar expression that is not suitable for polite conversation or formal settings.
Cochino
“Cochino” is a term used to describe something as dirty, filthy, or unclean. It can also be used as a playful term to refer to someone as messy or untidy. “Cochino” is also another word for a pig.
“Limpia tu cuarto. Está bien cochino.” – (Clean your room. It’s really dirty.)
Chaqueta
“Chaqueta” is a slang term for masturbation. It’s a colloquial expression used to refer to this activity in a humorous or informal way. In other Spanish-speaking countries it means “jacket.”
“Deja de hacer chaqueta y ponte a trabajar en tus tareas.” – (Stop masturbating and start working on your assignments.)
Gandalla
“Gandalla” is a term used to describe someone as selfish, opportunistic, or unscrupulous. It’s often used to refer to individuals who take advantage of others for their benefit.
“No seas gandalla, comparte tus juguetes con tu hermano.” – (Don’t be selfish: share your toys with your brother.)
What was your favorite Mexican slang phrase?
When you practice Spanish with your Mexican friends now, you won’t be confused, wondering: “What does bendejo mean?” You will know that bendejo is actually pendejo, and Mexicans use it to call someone an “asshole” or “stupid.”
In conclusion, learning Spanish slang is fun. In this article we explored a diverse range of Mexican slang words, providing insight into their meanings, usage, and cultural context. You are now a step closer to understanding Spanish like a native speaker and hopefully appreciate the richness of Mexican culture even more.
If you are keen to keep learning Spanish online, we recommend giving our AI-powered app a try, and watch how your Spanish vocabulary increases far faster than with traditional methods.
¡Hasta la próxima, wey!
