Spanish slang glossary


Welcome to our comprehensive Spanish slang glossary! 🚋🏘💈

Spain isn’t just about flamenco and paella; it’s pulsing with a vibrant array of slang that might bewilder even seasoned language aficionados. Here, we’ve selected the most emblematic Spanish slang terms, detailed with their meanings, origins, and illustrative examples. Whether you’re an ardent Hispanophile or a curious traveler, this guide is your gateway to grasping the colloquial nuances of Spain. Immerse yourself and speak with the flair of a true Spaniard! Without further delay, here’s our extensive list of Spanish slang:

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C
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E
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M
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V
W
X
Y
Z

Trouble finding a certain phrase? Click control + F on your keyboard, and type in the term you’re trying to find. Still not able to find it? Let us know down in the comments below!

A

Acho

  • Meaning: A friendly term used in Murcia and some parts of southern Spain, similar to “mate” or “buddy.”
  • Origin: Possibly derived from “muchacho” meaning “boy” or “guy.”
  • Usage: “¡Acho, hacía tiempo que no te veía!” (“Mate, it’s been a while since I last saw you!”)

Antro

  • Meaning: A somewhat derogatory term for a bar or club, suggesting it’s a bit rundown or sketchy.
  • Origin: Derived from “antro” meaning “cave” or “den” in Spanish.
  • Usage: “No me gusta ese antro, siempre hay problemas allí.” (“I don’t like that dive bar; there’s always trouble there.”)

Apañar

  • Meaning: To fix or manage something.
  • Origin: Possibly from the word “paño” meaning “cloth” or “patch.”
  • Usage: “No te preocupes, lo apañaré.” (“Don’t worry, I’ll fix it.”)

Asco

  • Meaning: Disgust. It’s often used to express strong disapproval or disgust about something.
  • Origin: Directly from the Spanish word for “disgust.”
  • Usage: “¡Qué asco de día!” (“What a disgusting day!”)

Atar

  • Meaning: Literally means to tie up, but in slang, it can mean understanding or “getting it.”
  • Origin: Derived from the Spanish verb “atar” which means “to tie.”
  • Usage: “Ahora lo ato, gracias.” (“Now I get it, thanks.”)

A todo trapo

  • Meaning: Going full out or at full speed.
  • Origin: The term “trapo” means “rag,” but in this context, it’s more about going all out.
  • Usage: “Fue a todo trapo y ganó la carrera.” (“He went full out and won the race.”)

Azotar

  • Meaning: Literally means to whip or lash, but in slang, it can mean to fall hard or crash.
  • Origin: From the Spanish word “azote” meaning “whip” or “lashing.”
  • Usage: “Se azotó con la bici y se hizo daño.” (“He crashed with his bike and got hurt.”)

Aguafiestas

  • Meaning: Party pooper or wet blanket.
  • Origin: Directly translates to “water parties,” indicating someone who dampens the mood.
  • Usage: “No seas aguafiestas y únete a la diversión.” (“Don’t be a party pooper and join the fun.”)

Al loro

  • Meaning: Be alert or pay attention.
  • Origin: “Loro” is a parrot, which is an alert bird.
  • Usage: “Al loro con lo que te digo.” (“Pay attention to what I’m telling you.”)

A mogollón

  • Meaning: In abundance or a lot.
  • Origin: Possibly from gypsy slang.
  • Usage: “Había gente a mogollón en la fiesta.” (“There were loads of people at the party.”)

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B

Bolo

  • Meaning: Gig or show, typically referring to a music concert.
  • Origin: Direct translation is “pin,” but its slang usage has roots in the music industry.
  • Usage: “Voy a un bolo de una banda local esta noche.” (“I’m going to a gig of a local band tonight.”)

Borde

  • Meaning: Rude or edgy.
  • Origin: Direct translation is “edge” or “border.”
  • Usage: “Fue muy borde conmigo sin razón.” (“He was very rude to me for no reason.”)

Botellón

  • Meaning: A gathering, typically of young people, where alcohol is consumed, usually outdoors.
  • Origin: From “botella” which means “bottle.”
  • Usage: “Vamos a hacer un botellón en el parque.” (“We’re going to have a gathering in the park.”)

Bronca

  • Meaning: A fight or argument.
  • Origin: Possibly from the word “broma” meaning “joke,” but used in a more negative sense.
  • Usage: “Tuvieron una bronca enorme ayer.” (“They had a huge argument yesterday.”)

Bocata

  • Meaning: Sandwich.
  • Origin: Shortened from “bocadillo.”
  • Usage: “Me voy a comer un bocata de jamón.” (“I’m going to eat a ham sandwich.”)

Birra

  • Meaning: Beer.
  • Origin: Similar to “birra” in Italian.
  • Usage: “Vamos a tomar una birra después del trabajo.” (“Let’s grab a beer after work.”)

Bollo

  • Meaning: Pastries, but in slang, it can refer to an attractive woman.
  • Origin: From “bollo” meaning “bun” or “pastry.”
  • Usage: “Esa chica es un bollo.” (“That girl is a hottie.”)

Bacalao

  • Meaning: Codfish, but in slang, it refers to electronic music.
  • Origin: The connection is not entirely clear, but it’s a popular term in nightlife.
  • Usage: “Nos vamos a una fiesta de bacalao esta noche.” (“We’re going to an electronic music party tonight.”)

Bamba

  • Meaning: Sneakers or casual shoes.
  • Origin: Possibly influenced by the brand name “Puma” and other sneaker brands.
  • Usage: “Necesito unas bambas nuevas.” (“I need new sneakers.”)

Buitre

  • Meaning: Vulture, but in slang, it refers to someone who is waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation.
  • Origin: Direct translation from “vulture.”
  • Usage: “Está esperando como un buitre a que terminemos.” (“He’s waiting like a vulture for us to finish.”)

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C

Chamba

  • Meaning: Job or work.
  • Origin: Uncertain, but it’s widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Estoy buscando chamba.” (“I’m looking for a job.”)

Chido

  • Meaning: Cool or awesome.
  • Origin: Mostly used in Mexico.
  • Usage: “¡Esa música está muy chida!” (“That music is really cool!”)

Chévere

  • Meaning: Great or fantastic.
  • Origin: Used mainly in Venezuela, Colombia, and some parts of the Caribbean.
  • Usage: “¡Esa fiesta estuvo chévere!” (“That party was great!”)

Chulo

  • Meaning: Pretty or cool. Can also mean cocky or arrogant.
  • Origin: From Spain, but also used in other parts of the Spanish-speaking world.
  • Usage: “Ese coche es muy chulo.” (“That car is really cool.”)

Curro

  • Meaning: Job or work.
  • Origin: Mainly used in Spain.
  • Usage: “Necesito encontrar un curro pronto.” (“I need to find a job soon.”)

Cuates

  • Meaning: Friends or buddies.
  • Origin: Used predominantly in Mexico.
  • Usage: “Voy al cine con mis cuates.” (“I’m going to the movies with my buddies.”)

Chambalear

  • Meaning: To work.
  • Origin: Variation of “chamba” (job).
  • Usage: “He estado chambaleando todo el día.” (“I’ve been working all day.”)

Chécalo

  • Meaning: Check it out.
  • Origin: From “checar” meaning to check and used primarily in Mexico.
  • Usage: “¡Chécalo, hay una oferta en esa tienda!” (“Check it out, there’s a sale in that store!”)

Cuate

  • Meaning: Friend or pal.
  • Origin: Used mainly in Mexico.
  • Usage: “Él es mi cuate desde la primaria.” (“He’s been my pal since elementary school.”)

Cholulo

  • Meaning: A person who is a big fan or is starstruck.
  • Origin: Used in Argentina.
  • Usage: “Siempre se comporta como un cholulo cuando ve a celebridades.” (“He always acts starstruck when he sees celebrities.”)

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D

Dale

  • Meaning: Okay or go ahead.
  • Origin: Widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries, but especially associated with Argentina due to its frequent use in everyday conversations there.
  • Usage: “¿Quieres salir a comer?” “¡Dale!” (“Do you want to go out to eat?” “Okay!”)

Dar bola

  • Meaning: To pay attention to someone.
  • Origin: Used mainly in Argentina and Uruguay.
  • Usage: “No le des bola, solo quiere llamar la atención.” (“Don’t pay attention to him, he just wants to get noticed.”)

De cajón

  • Meaning: Something obvious or clear.
  • Origin: Used in Spain and some Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “Es de cajón que si no estudias, no aprobarás el examen.” (“It’s obvious that if you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam.”)

Desmadre

  • Meaning: Chaos, disorder or a wild party.
  • Origin: Primarily used in Mexico.
  • Usage: “La fiesta de anoche fue un desmadre total.” (“Last night’s party was total chaos.”)

Desparche

  • Meaning: Boredom.
  • Origin: Mostly used in Colombia.
  • Usage: “Estoy en total desparche hoy.” (“I’m totally bored today.”)

De pinga

  • Meaning: Something awesome or, conversely, something terrible.
  • Origin: Used in Cuba.
  • Usage: “Esta fiesta está de pinga.” (“This party is awesome.”) or “Este día estuvo de pinga.” (“This day was terrible.”)

Duro

  • Meaning: Hard or tough, but also used to emphasize agreement or to say something is cool.
  • Origin: Used in several Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Ese examen estuvo duro.” (“That exam was hard.”) or “¡Esa canción está duro!” (“That song is cool!”)

Dar corte

  • Meaning: To feel embarrassed.
  • Origin: Used in Spain.
  • Usage: “Me da corte hablar en público.” (“I feel embarrassed speaking in public.”)

Dejar plantado

  • Meaning: To stand someone up.
  • Origin: Used throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
  • Usage: “Me dejó plantado en el restaurante.” (“She stood me up at the restaurant.”)

Don

  • Meaning: A title of respect, similar to “Mr.” in English.
  • Origin: Used mainly in Spain but understood everywhere.
  • Usage: “Don Juan es el dueño de la tienda.” (“Mr. Juan is the owner of the store.”)

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E

Echar los perros

  • Meaning: To flirt or hit on someone.
  • Origin: Commonly used in Colombia.
  • Usage: “Juan le está echando los perros a María.” (“Juan is flirting with María.”)

Estar en las nubes

  • Meaning: To be daydreaming or not paying attention.
  • Origin: Widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “¿Me escuchas? Parece que estás en las nubes.” (“Are you listening? You seem to be daydreaming.”)

Estar pelado

  • Meaning: To be broke or out of money.
  • Origin: Popular in Colombia.
  • Usage: “No puedo ir al concierto, estoy pelado.” (“I can’t go to the concert, I’m broke.”)

Estar chido

  • Meaning: To be cool or nice.
  • Origin: Used primarily in Mexico.
  • Usage: “Esa película está muy chida.” (“That movie is really cool.”)

Echar una mano

  • Meaning: To lend a hand or help out.
  • Origin: Used across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Si necesitas ayuda, dímelo y te echo una mano.” (“If you need help, tell me and I’ll lend you a hand.”)

Estar al loro

  • Meaning: To be alert or stay informed.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Estate al loro de las noticias sobre el tema.” (“Stay informed about the news on the subject.”)

Empollar

  • Meaning: To cram or study intensely, especially before exams.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Tengo que empollar todo el fin de semana para el examen del lunes.” (“I have to cram all weekend for Monday’s exam.”)

Echar un polvo

  • Meaning: To have sexual intercourse.
  • Origin: Widely recognized in Spain.
  • Usage: Not typically used in casual conversations due to its explicit nature.

Estar piripi

  • Meaning: To be tipsy or slightly drunk.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Después de tres cervezas, ya estaba piripi.” (“After three beers, he was already tipsy.”)

Estrenar

  • Meaning: To wear or use something for the first time.
  • Origin: Used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Voy a estrenar mi vestido nuevo esta noche.” (“I’m going to wear my new dress for the first time tonight.”)

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F

Fregar

  • Meaning: It can mean “to wash” in terms of dishes, but colloquially it can also mean “to bother” or “annoy”.
  • Origin: Common across many Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “No me friegues más con eso.” (“Don’t bother me anymore with that.”)

Fulano

  • Meaning: John Doe, used to refer to an unnamed or generic person.
  • Origin: Widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Fulano, Mengano y Zutano” (Equivalent to saying “Tom, Dick, and Harry” in English.)

Farra

  • Meaning: A party or celebration.
  • Origin: Popular in Ecuador and some other countries.
  • Usage: “El fin de semana hay una farra en mi casa.” (“There’s a party at my house this weekend.”)

Fome

  • Meaning: Boring or dull.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “Esa película fue muy fome.” (“That movie was very boring.”)

Facha

  • Meaning: Referring to someone’s look or style, usually positive.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Buena facha!” (“Looking good!”)

Flipear

  • Meaning: To be amazed or astonished.
  • Origin: Spain, influenced by the English word “flip”.
  • Usage: “Flipé cuando vi el resultado del partido.” (“I was amazed when I saw the match result.”)

Fardar

  • Meaning: To show off or brag about something.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Siempre farda de su nuevo coche.” (“He’s always showing off his new car.”)

Fincho

  • Meaning: Refers to a party, especially an informal or spontaneous one.
  • Origin: Panama.
  • Usage: “Vamos al fincho en la casa de Luis.” (“Let’s go to the party at Luis’s house.”)

Fiaca

  • Meaning: Laziness or a lack of will to do something.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Hoy tengo una fiaca tremenda.” (“I feel extremely lazy today.”)

Fruta

  • Meaning: Refers to something that’s easy or not complicated.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Ese examen fue fruta.” (“That exam was easy.”)

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G

Guay

  • Meaning: Cool or awesome.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Esa camiseta es muy guay!” (“That t-shirt is really cool!”)

Güey / Wey

  • Meaning: Dude or bro.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “¿Qué onda, wey?” (“What’s up, dude?”)

Guagua

  • Meaning: Baby or child in some countries, but a bus in others.
  • Origin: Used in countries like Ecuador to mean “baby”, but in countries like Chile to mean “bus”.
  • Usage: “La guagua está llorando.” (“The baby is crying.”) OR “Tomé la guagua para ir al centro.” (“I took the bus to go downtown.”)

Gamba

  • Meaning: A hundred (usually referring to currency).
  • Origin: Argentina and Chile.
  • Usage: “Me costó dos gambas.” (“It cost me two hundred.”)

Gorra

  • Meaning: Literally means “cap”, but slang for freeloading.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Siempre viene de gorra, nunca trae nada.” (“He always comes freeloading, he never brings anything.”)

Grillo

  • Meaning: Girlfriend.
  • Origin: Paraguay.
  • Usage: “Voy a salir con mi grillo.” (“I’m going out with my girlfriend.”)

Guanaco

  • Meaning: Native person or someone of indigenous origin.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “El guanaco vive en la cordillera.” (“The native lives in the mountain range.”)

Guita

  • Meaning: Money.
  • Origin: Argentina and Uruguay.
  • Usage: “No tengo guita.” (“I don’t have money.”)

Gil

  • Meaning: Fool or naive person.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “No seas gil.” (“Don’t be a fool.”)

Gallo / Galla

  • Meaning: Guy or girl.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “El gallo que viste ayer es mi primo.” (“The guy you saw yesterday is my cousin.”)

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H

Harto

  • Meaning: A lot.
  • Origin: Widespread use across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Hace harto calor hoy.” (“It’s very hot today.”)

Huevo

  • Meaning: Literally means “egg”, but slang for testicle. Also used in phrases to mean “a bit” or “little value”.
  • Origin: Widespread use, though meanings vary by country.
  • Usage: “No me importa un huevo.” (“I don’t give a damn.”)

Hacerse el loco

  • Meaning: To play dumb.
  • Origin: Widespread use across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Se hizo el loco cuando le pregunté sobre el dinero.” (“He played dumb when I asked him about the money.”)

Hueso

  • Meaning: Hard job or task.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Ese trabajo es un hueso.” (“That job is tough.”)

Hacer la cobra

  • Meaning: To dodge a kiss.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Intentó besarme, pero le hice la cobra.” (“He tried to kiss me, but I dodged it.”)

Huevón / Huevona

  • Meaning: Dude, lazy person.
  • Origin: Countries like Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador, but the meaning can slightly differ.
  • Usage: “¡Oye, huevón, ven acá!” (“Hey dude, come here!”) OR “Eres tan huevona.” (“You are so lazy.”)

Hala

  • Meaning: Expression of surprise or encouragement, similar to “come on” or “go ahead”.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Hala, no sabía que podías hacer eso!” (“Wow, I didn’t know you could do that!”)

Hachís

  • Meaning: Hashish or cannabis resin.
  • Origin: Widespread use across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “No tengo hachís.” (“I don’t have hash.”)

Hurto

  • Meaning: Stealth, sneaky action.
  • Origin: Widespread use.
  • Usage: “Lo hizo a hurto de todos.” (“He did it stealthily from everyone.”)

Haragán

  • Meaning: Lazy.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Mi hermano es muy haragán.” (“My brother is very lazy.”)

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I

Irse de pinta

  • Meaning: To skip school or work.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Se fue de pinta y no fue a la escuela.” (“He skipped and didn’t go to school.”)

Irse de farra

  • Meaning: Go out partying.
  • Origin: Spain, and some Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “Este fin de semana nos vamos de farra.” (“This weekend we’re going out partying.”)

Idem

  • Meaning: Same here or likewise.
  • Origin: Borrowed from Latin.
  • Usage: “Me encanta el helado – Idem.” (“I love ice cream – Same here.”)

Ir a piñón

  • Meaning: Go at full throttle, to go fast.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Fue a piñón toda la carrera.” (“He went full throttle the entire race.”)

Inútil

  • Meaning: Useless, but often used colloquially between friends as a playful tease.
  • Origin: Widespread use across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “¡Eres un inútil!” (“You’re useless!”) – meant playfully.

Isla

  • Meaning: Used in Spain, especially in Madrid, referring to a crosswalk.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Cruza por la isla para no tener problemas.” (“Cross at the crosswalk so you won’t have problems.”)

Ídem de ídem

  • Meaning: Emphasizes the “same here” expression.
  • Origin: Borrowed from Latin.
  • Usage: “A mí también me gusta ese grupo – Ídem de ídem.” (“I also like that band – Same exact here.”)

Imbécil

  • Meaning: Idiot. It can be offensive but also playful between friends.
  • Origin: Widespread use.
  • Usage: “¡No seas imbécil!” (“Don’t be an idiot!”)

Irse al garete

  • Meaning: Go down the drain, fall apart.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Todo se fue al garete.” (“Everything went down the drain.”)

Irse la olla

  • Meaning: Lose one’s mind or go crazy.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Se le fue la olla y empezó a gritar.” (“He lost his mind and started yelling.”)

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J

Jamar

  • Meaning: To eat. It’s a colloquial way to say “comer.”
  • Origin: Spain, especially in Madrid.
  • Usage: “Vamos a jamar algo en esa taquería.” (“Let’s eat something at that taco place.”)

Jeta

  • Meaning: Face, often used in a colloquial or informal manner. Also, it can mean “cheek” or “nerve” when referring to someone’s audacity.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Qué jeta tienes!” (“What nerve you have!”)

Joder

  • Meaning: Damn it! or to annoy. It’s a versatile word but can be strong in some contexts.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Joder, me he dejado el móvil en casa!” (“Damn it, I left my phone at home!”)

Joben

  • Meaning: A playful or jocular way to say “young” or “youth.”
  • Origin: Spain, from the word “joven.”
  • Usage: “Ese joben tiene talento.” (“That young lad has talent.”)

Janguear

  • Meaning: To hang out.
  • Origin: Puerto Rico.
  • Usage: “Vamos a janguear en el parque.” (“Let’s hang out at the park.”)

Jirafa

  • Meaning: Used in Chile, it refers to someone who doesn’t drink alcohol at parties.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “No quiero ser la jirafa de la fiesta.” (“I don’t want to be the non-drinker at the party.”)

Jeta

  • Meaning: Lazy, particularly in the context of someone who doesn’t like to work.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No seas jeta y ayuda con la limpieza.” (“Don’t be lazy and help with the cleaning.”)

Jalar

  • Meaning: In some regions, it means to eat, but it can also mean to pull or to snort drugs, depending on context.
  • Origin: Mexico for eating, widespread for pulling.
  • Usage: “Voy a jalar tacos.” (“I’m going to eat tacos.”)

Julieta

  • Meaning: Girlfriend or a romantic interest.
  • Origin: Used in some parts of Latin America.
  • Usage: “Mi julieta me dejó un mensaje.” (“My girlfriend left me a message.”)

Jevi

  • Meaning: Cool or great.
  • Origin: Dominican Republic.
  • Usage: “¡Esa canción es muy jevi!” (“That song is really cool!”)

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K

K-llejero

  • Meaning: Streetwise, someone savvy about urban life.
  • Origin: Combination of “calle” (street) and the English letter ‘K’.
  • Usage: “Juan es muy k-llejero, sabe moverse por la ciudad.” (“Juan is very streetwise, he knows how to move around the city.”)

Kbron (Cabron)

  • Meaning: Buddy, friend. However, it can also be a derogatory term, meaning idiot or jerk, depending on context.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America, derived from “cabra” meaning goat.
  • Usage: “¡Qué onda, kbron!” (“What’s up, buddy!”)

K-fe

  • Meaning: Bad luck, or an unfortunate event.
  • Origin: Puerto Rico, derived from “qué feo” meaning “how ugly.”
  • Usage: “Perdí mi billetera, ¡qué k-fe!” (“I lost my wallet, such bad luck!”)

K-chondo (Cachondo)

  • Meaning: Playful, funny, or sometimes “horny.”
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Ese chiste estuvo muy k-chondo.” (“That joke was very funny.”)

Krippy

  • Meaning: A term used to refer to a high-quality type of marijuana.
  • Origin: Colombia.
  • Usage: “Tiene krippy para vender.” (“He has krippy to sell.”)

Kilito

  • Meaning: A little weight or kilogram. Often used to talk about weight casually.
  • Origin: Latin America, from “kilo.”
  • Usage: “Perdí unos kilitos este mes.” (“I lost a few kilograms this month.”)

King Kong

  • Meaning: In Peru, it’s a sweet made of cookies, pineapple sweet, and “manjar blanco” (a kind of milk caramel).
  • Origin: Peru.
  • Usage: “Me compré un King Kong en la dulcería.” (“I bought a King Kong at the candy store.”)

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L

Ligar

  • Meaning: To flirt or to hook up with someone.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Juan fue a la discoteca a ligar.” (“Juan went to the nightclub to flirt.”)

Laburar

  • Meaning: To work.
  • Origin: Argentina, derived from the Italian “lavorare” which means “to work”.
  • Usage: “Estoy cansado de laburar todo el día.” (“I’m tired of working all day.”)

Lata

  • Meaning: It means “tin” literally but can also mean “bother” or “nuisance”.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Ese chico me da lata.” (“That guy bothers me.”)

Lanchar

  • Meaning: To have a snack or light meal.
  • Origin: Mexico, possibly from the English “lunch”.
  • Usage: “Vamos a lanchar algo.” (“Let’s have a snack.”)

Loco

  • Meaning: Crazy. It can also be used colloquially to refer to a person, like “dude” or “guy”.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “¡Oye, loco! ¿Cómo estás?” (“Hey, dude! How are you?”)

Luca

  • Meaning: A term for money, specifically 1,000 of something (like 1,000 pesos).
  • Origin: Various Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “Ese teléfono me costó una luca.” (“That phone cost me a thousand [currency].”)

Lomito

  • Meaning: A steak sandwich.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Voy a pedir un lomito con todo.” (“I’m going to order a steak sandwich with everything on it.”)

Llenar el tanque

  • Meaning: Literally “to fill the tank”, it means to eat a lot or to fill oneself up with food.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Después de esa comida, llené el tanque.” (“After that meal, I filled the tank [I ate a lot].”)

Llorón

  • Meaning: Crybaby or whiner.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “No seas llorón y sigue adelante.” (“Don’t be a crybaby and keep going.”)

Levantar polvo

  • Meaning: Literally “to raise dust”, it means to go fast.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Ese coche levanta polvo en la carretera.” (“That car goes really fast on the road.”)

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M

Molar

  • Meaning: To like or to dig something.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Me mola esa canción.” (“I dig that song.”)

Morro

  • Meaning: Kid, lad, or youngster.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Ese morro es muy inteligente.” (“That kid is very smart.”)

Mina

  • Meaning: A woman or girl.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Esa mina es muy bonita.” (“That girl is very pretty.”)

Macho

  • Meaning: Manly or masculine. It’s also a colloquial way to refer to a male.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “¡Oye, macho! ¿Qué tal?” (“Hey, man! How’s it going?”)

Mangar

  • Meaning: To scrounge or to get something for free.
  • Origin: Spain, possibly influenced by Romani.
  • Usage: “Siempre intenta mangar cigarrillos.” (“He always tries to scrounge cigarettes.”)

Marcar paquete

  • Meaning: To show off or to flaunt.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No te gusta marcar paquete con tu nuevo coche?” (“Don’t you like to show off with your new car?”)

Meter la pata

  • Meaning: To mess up or put one’s foot in one’s mouth.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Realmente metí la pata en la reunión.” (“I really messed up in the meeting.”)

Mijo/Mija

  • Meaning: A contraction of “mi hijo/a” meaning “my son/daughter”, but is colloquially used as “dear” or “darling”.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Mijo, ¿quieres más sopa?” (“Darling, do you want more soup?”)

Movida

  • Meaning: Situation, matter, or movement. In Spain, it can refer to a cultural movement.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No quiero meterme en esa movida.” (“I don’t want to get involved in that situation.”)

Mono

  • Meaning: Cute or lovely. It also means “monkey”.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Tu vestido es muy mono.” (“Your dress is very cute.”)

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N

Naco

  • Meaning: Vulgar or unsophisticated person. Can be offensive.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “No seas naco.” (“Don’t be vulgar.”)

No mames

  • Meaning: Expresses disbelief or surprise. Can be compared to “No way!” in English.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “No mames, ¿ganaste la lotería?” (“No way, you won the lottery?”)

Ni chicha ni limonada

  • Meaning: Neither one thing nor another; it’s used to say something is not clear or is mediocre.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Esa película es ni chicha ni limonada.” (“That movie is neither here nor there.”)

Ñapa

  • Meaning: Something extra given for free, especially after a purchase. Similar to a lagniappe in English.
  • Origin: Andean countries.
  • Usage: “¿Me das una ñapa?” (“Can you give me something extra?”)

Ni fu ni fa

  • Meaning: Indifferent or unimpressed.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Me siento ni fu ni fa sobre ese tema.” (“I feel indifferent about that topic.”)

Nene/Nena

  • Meaning: A term of endearment, similar to “baby” or “honey.”
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America, especially the Caribbean.
  • Usage: “Nena, ven aquí.” (“Baby, come here.”)

No dar pie con bola

  • Meaning: Not getting anything right or continually making mistakes.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Hoy no doy pie con bola, todo me sale mal.” (“Today I can’t get anything right, everything is going wrong for me.”)

No hay tu tía

  • Meaning: There’s no solution or remedy. It’s the way it is.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No hay tu tía, esto no va a cambiar.” (“There’s no remedy, this is not going to change.”)

Novato

  • Meaning: Rookie, newcomer, or beginner.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Es el novato del equipo.” (“He’s the rookie on the team.”)

Novio/Novia

  • Meaning: Besides meaning boyfriend/girlfriend, it can also colloquially mean a close friend in some contexts.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Salí con mis novias a la discoteca.” (“I went out with my girlfriends to the nightclub.”)

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O

Onda

  • Meaning: Vibe or wave. Often used to inquire about what’s going on or what someone’s deal is.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “¿Cuál es tu onda?” (“What’s your vibe/deal?”)

Ojo

  • Meaning: Literally means “eye”, but used as a warning to “watch out” or “be careful”.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “¡Ojo con ese perro!” (“Watch out for that dog!”)

Oído

  • Meaning: Means “ear”, but can be used in kitchens to acknowledge you heard something, similar to “heard” in English kitchens.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Necesito dos tacos al pastor – ¡Oído!” (“I need two pastor tacos – Heard!”)

Orale

  • Meaning: Expresses agreement, surprise, or encouragement. It can be compared to “Alright!”, “Okay!”, or “Come on!” in English.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Órale, ¡vamos a hacerlo!” (“Alright, let’s do it!”)

Oso

  • Meaning: Literally “bear”, but slang for an embarrassing situation.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Hacer el oso” (“To embarrass oneself.”)

Otro rollo

  • Meaning: Another thing or a different situation.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Esa es otra onda.” (“That’s a different thing/situation.”)

Overol

  • Meaning: Overalls or dungarees.
  • Origin: Influenced by English but used in various Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “Voy a usar mi overol para pintar.” (“I’m going to wear my overalls to paint.”)

Ojete

  • Meaning: It can mean stingy, mean, or bad luck. However, it can be vulgar in some contexts.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Tuviste un día ojete.” (“You had a bad luck day.”)

Ósculo

  • Meaning: A poetic or formal term for a kiss.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: Rarely used in daily conversation, more often found in literature.

Oíste

  • Meaning: Did you hear? Often used to grab someone’s attention or check if they are listening.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Oíste, necesito contarte algo.” (“Listen, I need to tell you something.”)

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P

Pana

  • Meaning: Friend or buddy.
  • Origin: Venezuela.
  • Usage: “Ese es mi pana.” (“That’s my buddy.”)

Paro

  • Meaning: A favor or help.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “¿Me haces un paro?” (“Can you do me a favor?”)

Pata

  • Meaning: Leg or foot, but also used colloquially for “friend” in some countries.
  • Origin: Widespread in Latin America.
  • Usage: “Voy a salir con mis patas.” (“I’m going out with my friends.”)

Pavo

  • Meaning: Turkey (the bird), but also used as slang for “a young man” in Spain.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Ese pavo no sabe lo que dice.” (“That guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”)

Peda

  • Meaning: Party or gathering where alcohol is consumed, can also mean being drunk.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Tuvimos una peda anoche.” (“We had a party last night.”)

Pibe

  • Meaning: Kid or young person.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Ese pibe es muy listo.” (“That kid is very clever.”)

Pichanga

  • Meaning: Informal soccer/football match among friends.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “Vamos a jugar una pichanga en el parque.” (“Let’s play a casual soccer match in the park.”)

Pila

  • Meaning: Battery, but can also be used to mean “a lot” in the Dominican Republic.
  • Origin: Dominican Republic.
  • Usage: “Hace pila que no te veo.” (“I haven’t seen you in a long time.”)

Pinche

  • Meaning: It’s a somewhat vulgar way to emphasize dislike or disdain towards something or someone, equivalent to “damn” or “bloody” in English.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Pinche perro me mordió.” (“That damn dog bit me.”)

Pisto

  • Meaning: Money.
  • Origin: Guatemala.
  • Usage: “No tengo pisto.” (“I don’t have money.”)

Pololear

  • Meaning: To date someone.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “Están pololeando desde hace meses.” (“They have been dating for months.”)

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Q

Quedo

  • Meaning: Short for “quedarse” meaning to stay or remain. Used colloquially to mean a gathering or hangout.
  • Origin: Various countries.
  • Usage: “Vamos a hacer un quedo en mi casa.” (“Let’s have a hangout at my house.”)

Quitar el sueño

  • Meaning: Literally “take away the sleep,” but means to cause worry or stress.
  • Origin: Common in multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Esta situación me quita el sueño.” (“This situation keeps me awake at night.”)

Quemar

  • Meaning: Literally means “to burn” but can be slang for revealing someone’s secret.
  • Origin: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “¡No me quemes!” (“Don’t spill my secret!”)

Queso

  • Meaning: Literally “cheese” but can refer to someone being a third wheel in romantic situations.
  • Origin: Colombia.
  • Usage: “No quiero ser el queso en la cita de Juan y María.” (“I don’t want to be the third wheel on Juan and Maria’s date.”)

Quilombo

  • Meaning: Mess or chaotic situation.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Esto es un quilombo.” (“This is a mess.”)

Quitar la camisa

  • Meaning: Literally “take off the shirt,” but used to mean to strive or make an effort.
  • Origin: Common in multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Se quitó la camisa para ayudarnos.” (“He went out of his way to help us.”)

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R

Rollo

  • Meaning: Chat or talk; also means a situation or issue. Can also mean a kind of vibe or aura a person gives off.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¿Qué rollo tiene con ella?” (“What’s going on with her?”)

Rumbear

  • Meaning: To party or to go out dancing.
  • Origin: Colombia, Venezuela.
  • Usage: “Esta noche vamos a rumbear.” (“Tonight we’re going to party.”)

Rata

  • Meaning: Literally “rat”, but used to describe someone sneaky or untrustworthy.
  • Origin: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “No confíes en él, es una rata.” (“Don’t trust him; he’s a rat.”)

Ruco

  • Meaning: Old or worn out. Can also be used to describe an older person, often in a playful or teasing way.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Esa camisa ya está muy ruca.” (“That shirt is really worn out.”)

Relajo

  • Meaning: Mess, chaos, or a joke.
  • Origin: Central America, especially El Salvador.
  • Usage: “¡Qué relajo hicieron en la fiesta!” (“What a mess they made at the party!”)

Rajar

  • Meaning: Literally “to split”, but in slang, it means to gossip or talk behind someone’s back.
  • Origin: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “No me gusta rajar de los demás.” (“I don’t like to gossip about others.”)

Rayarse

  • Meaning: To obsess or overthink about something.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No te rayes con ese tema.” (“Don’t obsess over that issue.”)

Rola

  • Meaning: Song.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Esa rola es mi favorita.” (“That song is my favorite.”)

Ranchero/a

  • Meaning: Related to the countryside or rural life. Also, a type of music genre in Mexico.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Me gusta la música ranchera.” (“I like ranchero music.”)

Raspar

  • Meaning: Literally “to scrape,” but in slang, it means to just pass or barely make it.
  • Origin: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Raspé el examen por un punto.” (“I just passed the exam by one point.”)

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S

Salado

  • Meaning: Unlucky.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Eres bien salado, siempre te pasa algo malo.” (“You’re so unlucky, something bad always happens to you.”)

Sapo

  • Meaning: Snitch, informant.
  • Origin: Multiple Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “No seas sapo y no le digas a la profesora.” (“Don’t be a snitch and don’t tell the teacher.”)

Sobrado

  • Meaning: Cocky, overconfident.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Actúa muy sobrado, pero no sabe nada.” (“He acts very cocky, but he knows nothing.”)

Sobras

  • Meaning: Leftovers. Can also refer to something extra or someone who is not needed in a particular situation.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “En esta reunión hay muchas sobras; no todos son necesarios aquí.” (“There are many extras in this meeting; not everyone is needed here.”)

Soltar prenda

  • Meaning: To give a hint or clue.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “No quiero soltar prenda sobre la sorpresa.” (“I don’t want to give a hint about the surprise.”)

Soroche

  • Meaning: Altitude sickness.
  • Origin: Andean countries.
  • Usage: “Cuando llegué a Cusco, me dio soroche.” (“When I arrived in Cusco, I got altitude sickness.”)

Suate

  • Meaning: A blunder, mistake, or embarrassment.
  • Origin: Colombia.
  • Usage: “Hacer un suate” (“To make a blunder”)

Sumo

  • Meaning: Great, top-notch, the best.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Es de sumo importancia.” (“It’s of great importance.”)

Sifrino

  • Meaning: Snob, upper-class person.
  • Origin: Venezuela.
  • Usage: “No me gusta salir con sifrinos.” (“I don’t like going out with snobs.”)

Ser un hueso

  • Meaning: To be tough, hard to deal with.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Ese profesor es un hueso.” (“That teacher is tough.”)

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T

Tajo

  • Meaning: Job or work.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Tengo que ir al tajo temprano mañana.” (“I have to go to work early tomorrow.”)

Tinto

  • Meaning: Black coffee without milk.
  • Origin: Colombia.
  • Usage: “¿Quieres un tinto?” (“Do you want a black coffee?”)

Tomar el pelo

  • Meaning: To pull someone’s leg, to tease.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡No me tomes el pelo!” (“Don’t pull my leg!”)

Tranca

  • Meaning: Big problem or obstacle.
  • Origin: Venezuela.
  • Usage: “Tengo una tranca con ese proyecto.” (“I have a big problem with that project.”)

Tronco/Tronca

  • Meaning: Dude, mate. Used as an informal way to address a friend.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¡Hola, tronco! ¿Cómo estás?” (“Hey, dude! How are you?”)

Tumbao

  • Meaning: A person’s unique swagger or style of walking.
  • Origin: Caribbean countries, especially Cuba and Puerto Rico.
  • Usage: “Esa chica tiene un tumbao especial.” (“That girl has a unique swagger.”)

Turro

  • Meaning: Shoddy, of poor quality.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Ese restaurante es muy turro.” (“That restaurant is very shoddy.”)

Tío/Tía

  • Meaning: Guy, dude, mate. Used colloquially to address a person informally.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “¿Qué tal, tío?” (“What’s up, dude?”)

Tener mala leche

  • Meaning: To have bad luck or to be in a bad mood.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Hoy tiene mala leche.” (“He’s in a bad mood today.”)

Tostado

  • Meaning: Burnt out, exhausted.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Después del trabajo, estoy tostado.” (“After work, I’m burnt out.”)

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U

Uña

  • Meaning: Literally “nail”, but used colloquially to refer to a close friend.
  • Origin: Dominican Republic.
  • Usage: “Ella es mi uña y mugre.” (“She’s my close friend.”)

Una birra

  • Meaning: A beer.
  • Origin: Spain, influenced by English.
  • Usage: “Voy a tomar una birra con los amigos.” (“I’m going to have a beer with friends.”)

Una lana

  • Meaning: Money.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “¿Tienes una lana que me prestes?” (“Do you have some money you can lend me?”)

Una pasta

  • Meaning: A lot of money.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Ese coche debe haber costado una pasta.” (“That car must have cost a lot of money.”)

Una pava

  • Meaning: A girl or young woman.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “La pava esa es mi prima.” (“That girl is my cousin.”)

Una y carne

  • Meaning: Two people who are very close, inseparable.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Esas dos son una y carne, siempre están juntas.” (“Those two are inseparable, they’re always together.”)

Untar

  • Meaning: To bribe.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Dicen que lo untaron para que no dijera nada.” (“They say he was bribed so he wouldn’t say anything.”)

Upa

  • Meaning: An exclamation similar to “Wow!” or “Oh my!”
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “¡Upa! Eso fue inesperado.” (“Wow! That was unexpected.”)

Usar el coco

  • Meaning: To use your brain, think hard.
  • Origin: Widespread across Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Usage: “Usa el coco y resuelve el problema.” (“Use your brain and solve the problem.”)

Ustedes

  • Meaning: “You all” or “y’all”. In some regions, “ustedes” is used in both formal and informal situations instead of “vosotros”.
  • Origin: Widespread across Spanish-speaking countries, especially in Latin America.
  • Usage: “¿Ustedes vienen a la fiesta?” (“Are you all coming to the party?”)

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V

Vaina

  • Meaning: Thing, stuff, or matter. A very versatile word that can refer to almost anything.
  • Origin: Popular in Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Venezuela.
  • Usage: “¿Qué es esa vaina?” (“What is that thing?”)

Vale

  • Meaning: Okay, all right.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: “Vale, nos vemos mañana.” (“Okay, see you tomorrow.”)

Vato

  • Meaning: Guy or dude.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Ese vato es mi hermano.” (“That dude is my brother.”)

Verija

  • Meaning: Vulgar slang for female genitals.
  • Origin: Spain.
  • Usage: Not typically used in polite conversation.

Vieja

  • Meaning: Old woman, but can also refer to one’s girlfriend.
  • Origin: Various Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “Mi vieja no quiere que salga esta noche.” (“My girlfriend doesn’t want me to go out tonight.”)

Viruji

  • Meaning: A word used to describe something that is cool or awesome.
  • Origin: Andalusia, Spain.
  • Usage: “Esa camisa está viruji.” (“That shirt is cool.”)

Volado

  • Meaning: High, usually due to drugs.
  • Origin: Mexico.
  • Usage: “Juan está bien volado.” (“Juan is really high.”)

Volarse

  • Meaning: To get high.
  • Origin: Chile.
  • Usage: “Se voló con ese cigarro.” (“He got high with that joint.”)

Voseo

  • Meaning: The act of using “vos” instead of “tú” as a second person singular pronoun.
  • Origin: Common in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America.
  • Usage: “En Argentina usamos el voseo.” (“In Argentina, we use voseo.”)

Vaina

  • Meaning: Thing or stuff, used in a very general way.
  • Origin: Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela.
  • Usage: “Dame esa vaina.” (“Give me that thing.”)

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W

Wachiman

  • Meaning: Security guard or watchman.
  • Origin: Borrowed from English “watchman” and adapted phonetically to Spanish, common in several Latin American countries.
  • Usage: “El wachiman de la tienda nos detuvo.” (“The store’s security guard stopped us.”)

Wachiturro

  • Meaning: A term used to describe a person who follows the “wachiturro” urban style, characterized by a certain type of clothing and behavior.
  • Origin: Argentina.
  • Usage: “Los wachiturros tienen un estilo de baile propio.” (“The wachiturros have their own dance style.”)

Wai-fai

  • Meaning: Wi-Fi.
  • Origin: Phonetic adaptation of the English term “Wi-Fi.”
  • Usage: “¿Tienen wai-fai en este café?” (“Do you have Wi-Fi in this cafe?”)

Wáter

  • Meaning: Toilet.
  • Origin: Borrowed from English “water” (referring to water closet) and adapted to Spanish pronunciation.
  • Usage: “Voy al wáter.” (“I’m going to the toilet.”)

Wincha

  • Meaning: Winch (a hauling or lifting device).
  • Origin: Borrowed from the English word “winch.”
  • Usage: “Necesitamos una wincha para mover este objeto pesado.” (“We need a winch to move this heavy object.”)

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X

Xeque

  • Meaning: Check, in the context of the game of chess.
  • Origin: Borrowed from the Portuguese word “xeque”, meaning check in chess.
  • Usage: “¡Xeque mate!” (“Checkmate!”)

Xilófono

  • Meaning: Xylophone.
  • Origin: Borrowed from the Greek word “xýlon” (wood) and “phōnē” (voice).
  • Usage: “Mi hijo quiere un xilófono para su cumpleaños.” (“My son wants a xylophone for his birthday.”)

Xolo

  • Meaning: Short for Xoloitzcuintli, a breed of hairless dog native to Mexico.
  • Origin: From the Nahuatl word “xolotl” (god) and “itzcuintli” (dog).
  • Usage: “El xolo es considerado uno de los perros más antiguos del mundo.” (“The Xolo is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.”)

Xoxo

  • Meaning: Hugs and kisses, used at the end of letters or messages.
  • Origin: Imitative of the sound of a kiss.
  • Usage: “Te veo mañana. ¡Xoxo!” (“See you tomorrow. Xoxo!”)

Xampú

  • Meaning: Shampoo.
  • Origin: Borrowed from the English word “shampoo”.
  • Usage: “Se me acabó el xampú, debo comprar más.” (“I ran out of shampoo; I need to buy more.”)

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Y

Yate

  • Meaning: Yacht.
  • Origin: Borrowed from the English word “yacht”.
  • Usage: “El empresario tiene un yate en el puerto.” (“The businessman has a yacht in the harbor.”)

Yema

  • Meaning: Yolk of an egg; also the fleshy part of the fingers.
  • Origin: From the Old Spanish word “gema”, which means bud or jewel.
  • Usage: “Me gusta la clara del huevo más que la yema.” (“I like the egg white more than the yolk.”)

Yerba

  • Meaning: Herb; commonly used in the context of “yerba mate”, a popular drink in South America.
  • Origin: From the Latin word “herba”.
  • Usage: “Voy a preparar un mate. ¿Quieres?” (“I’m going to prepare some mate. Want some?”)

Yeso

  • Meaning: Plaster, as in a cast for broken bones.
  • Origin: From the Latin word “gypsum”.
  • Usage: “Después del accidente, estuvo con yeso en la pierna por dos meses.” (“After the accident, he had a plaster cast on his leg for two months.”)

Yincana

  • Meaning: Gymkhana, a type of event with various games and activities, often used for team building.
  • Origin: Borrowed from the English word “gymkhana”.
  • Usage: “El equipo de recursos humanos organizó una yincana para integrar a los empleados nuevos.” (“The HR team organized a gymkhana to integrate the new employees.”)

Yunque

  • Meaning: Anvil, a block with a hard surface upon which another object is struck.
  • Origin: From the Latin word “incus”.
  • Usage: “El herrero forjó la espada en el yunque.” (“The blacksmith forged the sword on the anvil.”)

Yoyo

  • Meaning: Yo-yo, a toy that goes up and down a string.
  • Origin: Possibly onomatopoeic, imitating the motion.
  • Usage: “Mi abuelo solía hacer trucos con el yoyo.” (“My grandfather used to do tricks with the yo-yo.”)

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Z

Zafar

  • Meaning: To escape or get out of a situation.
  • Origin: Possibly from Arabic origin, related to the idea of release or deliverance.
  • Usage: “Pude zafar del compromiso al que no quería ir.” (“I managed to get out of the commitment I didn’t want to go to.”)

Zalamero

  • Meaning: Flattering, someone who uses sweet words or caresses excessively.
  • Origin: Likely from Andalusian Arabic.
  • Usage: “No te dejes engañar por sus palabras zalameras.” (“Don’t be fooled by his flattering words.”)

Zarpar

  • Meaning: To set sail or depart, often used for ships but can also be used metaphorically.
  • Origin: Possibly from the word “zarpa”, which means claw or paw in Spanish.
  • Usage: “El barco zarpó al amanecer.” (“The ship set sail at dawn.”)

Zasca

  • Meaning: A term used to denote a sharp and effective response, like a “burn” or “gotcha” moment.
  • Origin: Onomatopoeic, representing the sound of a slap or quick action.
  • Usage: “¡Zasca! Le dio una respuesta que no esperaba.” (“Boom! She gave him a response he wasn’t expecting.”)

Zona

  • Meaning: Zone or area.
  • Origin: From the Latin word “zona”.
  • Usage: “La zona comercial está llena de tiendas y restaurantes.” (“The commercial zone is full of shops and restaurants.”)

Zumbar

  • Meaning: To hit or smack, especially with some force.
  • Origin: Onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a hit.
  • Usage: “El balón le zumbó en la cabeza.” (“The ball smacked him in the head.”)

Zutano

  • Meaning: Equivalent to “so-and-so” in English, referring to an unspecified person.
  • Origin: From old Spanish, perhaps a combination of words.
  • Usage: “Zutano y Mengano siempre están discutiendo.” (“So-and-so and what’s-his-name are always arguing.”)

Zambullida

  • Meaning: A dive or a plunge, typically into water.
  • Origin: From the verb “zambullir” meaning to dive or plunge.
  • Usage: “Hizo una zambullida impresionante desde el trampolín.” (“He made an impressive dive from the diving board.”)

Zarandear

  • Meaning: To shake or jostle, usually with some force.
  • Origin: Possibly from pre-Roman origin.
  • Usage: “Los niños zarandearon el árbol para hacer caer las frutas.” (“The children shook the tree to make the fruits fall.”)

Zapatear

  • Meaning: To stamp or tap one’s feet, especially when dancing.
  • Origin: From “zapato” which means shoe in Spanish.
  • Usage: “Zapateó con fuerza al ritmo de la música flamenca.” (“She stamped her feet forcefully to the rhythm of the flamenco music.”)

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That’s it for our list of Spanish slang! Thanks for continuing to expand your vocabulary with us.  Did we miss something? Let us know down below in the comments ⤵.

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