Mexican Slang: 90+ Words & Phrases To Sound Like A Local

In ‘Mexican Slang: 90+ Words & Phrases To Sound Like A Local,’ we see how language and identity are closely linked. This book is more than just a guide to common phrases; it offers a glimpse into Mexican culture. Each word and phrase helps us understand the social subtleties and local traits that shape Mexico. By diving into this language, we connect more deeply with the Mexican community. This encourages us to think differently about how we interact with other cultures.

A Quick Guide to Mexican Slang

Mexican slang is vibrant and expressive. It’s a key part of the language, showing the country’s history and social changes. In Mexico, slang helps people from different backgrounds connect. It reflects their attitudes, humor, and values. Getting to know these slang words helps you connect with locals. It gives you a glimpse into their lives and thoughts. The slang keeps changing. It evolves with popular culture, social shifts, and new generations.

90+ Mexican Slang Words and Their Meanings

Mexican Slang Words and Their Meanings

Mexican slang is rich and gives us a peek into the culture. Phrases like ‘¡Qué padre!’ and ‘Chido’ show the lively way people talk every day. If you’re learning Spanish, knowing these words helps you connect better and sound more natural.

Slang Word Meaning Pronunciation
Chido Cool Chee-doh
Chamba Job/Work Chahm-bah
Carnal Brother/Close friend Kar-nahl
Peda Party Peh-dah
Fresa Snobby/Rich kid Freh-sah
Chavo/Chava Boy/Girl Chah-voh/Chah-vah
Chela Beer Cheh-lah
Jefa Boss/Mom Heh-fah
Padrísimo Awesome Pah-dree-see-moh
Bronca Problem Bron-kah
Lana Money Lah-nah
Vato Guy/Dude Vah-toh
Chilango Someone from Mexico City Chee-lan-goh
Chingar To screw up/To bother Cheen-gahr
Padre Cool/Awesome Pah-dreh
Híjole Oh my!/Wow! Hee-ho-leh
Chafa Cheap/Poor quality Chah-fah
Chinga Mess/Problem Cheen-gah
Chambear To work Chahm-beh-ahr
Madrazo Hard hit/Blow Mah-drah-soh
Chorro A lot Chor-roh
Naco Tacky/Uncultured person Nah-koh
Chismoso/a Gossip/Gossiper Chee-smoh-soh
Aguas Watch out!/Be careful Ah-gwahs
Gacho Bad/Ugly Gah-choh
Desmadre Mess/Chaos Des-mah-dreh
Fregon Awesome/Cool Freh-gohn
Andale Hurry up! Ahn-dah-leh
Merienda Afternoon snack Meh-ree-en-dah
Platicar To chat Plah-tee-kar
Pinche Damn/Crappy Peen-cheh
Mero mero The boss/Big boss Meh-roh meh-roh
Vieja Girlfriend/Woman Vyeh-hah
Compa Friend Kohm-pah
Alivianarse To relax/chill Ah-lee-vee-ah-nar-seh
Chale Expression of disappointment Chah-leh
Cuate Close friend Kwah-teh
Pelón Bald Peh-lohn
Chaparro Short person Chah-par-roh
Codo Stingy Koh-doh
Tacaño Stingy/Mean Tah-kah-nyoh
Crudo Hungover Kroo-doh
Chiflado Spoiled Chee-flah-doh
Baboso Idiot/Silly Bah-boh-soh
Mula Stubborn person Moo-lah
Panzón Fat person Pahn-zohn
Chacharear To bargain shop Chah-chah-reh-ahr
Fiestero Party animal Fyeh-steh-roh
Arre Let’s go/Go ahead Ah-rreh
Perro Cool/Awesome Peh-rroh
Pendejo Idiot/Stupid Pen-deh-ho
Chaparrito Short guy Chah-pah-ree-toh
Apapachar To cuddle/to spoil Ah-pah-pah-char
Pinole Cornmeal Pee-noh-leh
Patas Feet Pah-tahs
Jalón Ride Hah-lohn
Chilero Great/Cool Chee-leh-roh
Chupar To drink Choo-par
Lento Slow Len-toh
Sobres Let’s go! Soh-bres
Pata Foot Pah-tah
Guácala Yuck! Wah-kah-lah
Mosca Money Mohs-kah
Cotorrear To chat/To hang out Koh-toh-rreh-ahr
Malora Troublemaker Mah-loh-rah
Lángara Sly/Cunning person Lahn-gah-rah
Fierro Let’s go Fee-eh-rroh
Manches Expression of disbelief Mahn-ches
Despapaye Chaos/Mess Des-pah-pah-yeh
Chavorruco Old guy acting young Chah-voh-rru-coh
Lío Trouble Lee-oh
Chingaquedito Nagging Cheen-gah-keh-dee-toh
Vale madre Doesn’t matter Vah-leh mah-dreh
Canijo Tough/Hard/Mean Kah-nee-ho
Hueso Job/Connection Wheh-soh
Con madre Awesome/Great Kohn mah-dreh

Also Read: 40 Mexico Holidays & Unique Mexican Traditions [2024 Update]

Using Mexican Slang in Everyday Conversation

Using Mexican Slang in Everyday Conversation

Slang in Social Interactions

Using Mexican slang can really improve your chats with locals. When you throw in words like ‘güey’ or ‘chido’ correctly, it shows you get the culture, and people appreciate that. It makes everything more relaxed and friendly.

But, be careful with how you use these words. If you get it wrong, it might rub someone the wrong way. Knowing your slang can help you connect better and get more out of your time in Mexico.

 Slang English Translation Pronunciation
Güey Dude / Buddy wey
Neta Really? / For real NEH-tah
Morro/a Kid / Young person MO-rro / MO-rra
Échale ganas Give it your all EH-cha-leh GAH-nas
Órale Wow! / Come on! OH-rah-leh
Qué padre How cool! keh PAH-dreh

Also Read: Ultimate Spanish Adjectives Guide To Improve Your Vocabulary Skills

Phrases for Daily Conversation

Slang plays a big role in everyday chats, making conversations lively and real. For instance, when you say ‘¡Órale!’ you’re showing excitement or agreement. ‘No manches’ is your go-to when you can’t believe something. These expressions pull you right into the local scene and help share feelings better.

If you need to reassure someone, ‘No hay bronca’ works well, and ‘Qué padre’ is perfect for showing that you like something. Using these phrases helps you connect deeper with Mexican culture and makes others see you as more fluent and culturally aware.

Phrase English Translation Usage
¿Qué onda? What’s up? Casual greeting
Órale Okay / All right Agreement or encouragement
No manches No way! / You’re kidding! Expression of disbelief or surprise
Ahorita Right now / In a little while Indicating time (can be ambiguous)

Conclusion

In short, getting to know over 90+ Mexican slang words and phrases is key to truly understanding the culture and improving how you communicate in Mexico. When you use these expressions, you’re not just speaking the language better; you’re also connecting more deeply with people. These words reflect shared values and experiences. So, using Mexican slang in everyday talk is a great idea for anyone who wants to really connect with Mexico’s rich cultural scene. Keep visiting the Translation Blog for more translation articles.

About the author
Winston Simon
Winston Simon, the founder of the Translation Blog, holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Auburn University. Fluent in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, German, and Japanese, Winston has had a lifelong passion for learning languages from around the globe

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