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 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
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.