I would never encourage you not to practice grammar or vocabulary, because both are vital to learn to speak Spanish well. However, there is more to learning a language than what you’re going to find in a book. Make sure to take you time to also learn cultural aspects and casual conversation skills. Funny memes and social media can be great ways to enhance learning Spanish, and also entertain you at the same time.
Humor is intrinsically tied to culture, so while you learn new jokes or funny memes in Spnaish, you will also be gaining greater insight into the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Over 20 countries have Spanish as their official language, so imagine the variety of funny Spanish memes out there, awaiting your perusal. If you’re looking for a starting point, the list below should provide a few laughs. Make the most of your time and note down the words or phrases you want to learn and/or find especially entertaining.
1. Language learning humor that we can all appreciate, and Will Smith!
Translation: If Will Smith traveled to the past, would he be Was Smith?
Words to remember: viajar = to travel, el pasado = the past
Ok, this might be cheesy. But, it’s also funny enough for those of us who struggle with past tense conjugations to commiserate together. English language learners suffer, too! You’ll hear a lot of these types of jokes in Spanish-speaking countries, because all of them are trying to learn English and make it fun, just like you’re doing with learning Spanish!
2. Irreverent play on words while learning vocabulary? Check this one out.
Translation: If “car” is “auto and “men” is “hombre”, then my Aunt Car-Men is a transformer
Words to remember: auto = car (coche and carro are also used), entonces = then, a great transition word
In Mexico, “car” is “auto”, and “man” is “hombre”. We all know what Transformers are, but you can see the connection they’re drawing as English language learners. This shows that we can all learn from each other and start making bilingual jokes to reach an even larger audience.
3. We all struggle with dieting
Translation: Don’t forget your diet!
Word to remember: diet = la dieta (I know, never a fun topic)
Being able to poke fun at yourself is important, especially over diets. There are so many yummy foods famous throughout Spain and Latin America that are not diet friendly. You’ll be reminding yourself to “not forget the diet” when you travel there! My suggestion is to worry about that later and eat up while you can!
4. Relationship struggles are real
Translation: “Love, will you give me a kiss!”, “Ask Maluma for one”. “Idiot, if I could kiss Maluma, I wouldn’t even talk to you”. In your face.
Words to remember: un beso = a kiss, la cara = face
Maluma is a famous and much loved singer who is known for this song. It’s also quite common in some countries to reference song lyrics in your daily life. Clearly this “amor” was feeling insecure and petty, and sent the other off to Maluma. Never to be put down, the partner quickly flips the table on “amor” but setting them firmly in their place. It’s good to know that you can use “in your face” jokes there, too.
4. Quarantine Enlightenment
Translation: When you realize that your normal lifestyle is called “quarantine”
Words to remember: darse cuenta = to realize, la cuarentena = quarantine, estilo de vida = lifestyle
After a year of pandemic living, maybe some of us have realized our “old normal” does not look that much different from the “new normal”. Poking fun at yourself is something that you’ll learn to do in Spanish, as they can be very direct in their observations about themselves, and sometimes you, as well. Roll with the punches and don’t be afraid to be more direct.
5. Speaking of diets and being direct…
Translation: Don’t diet! I’m from the future and you’re also fat there!
Words to remember: el futuro = the future, gordo/a = fat, tambien = also
Pop culture references and brutal honesty, all together in one funny meme Spanish package. However, I will warn you. When I lived in Spain, I went up and down a few (or many) pounds, and some of the people in my life sometimes noticed it before I did! They don’t mean anything by it, they’re very direct. They’re always able to find the positive things to focus on, too.
6. Single Person Shaming
Translation: My family, waiting for me to get married!
Words to remember: la familia = family, casarse = to get married
This hilarious Spanish meme sums up perfectly the generational clash between traditional expectations and younger generations. Many mothers still sigh over unmarried children in their mid to late twenties in some places, much to the chagrin of some happy singles. This is something many of us can bond over.
7. Making some fun at someone else’s expense
Translation: We are looking for this dude. He got lost looking for this dog. (The dog has already come home).
Words to remember: perro = the dog, la casa = house, buscar = to look for, regresar = to return
“Wey” is shorthand for “guey”, or “dude” in Mexican slang. Why type 4 letters when you can type 3? So much more efficient. This poor soul apparently is the butt of a joke, but we’re glad to hear the dog is ok! I’d recommend only calling someone closer to you and definitely your age or younger “wey” as it could be considered disrespectful otherwise.
As we said before, don’t give up on grammar and vocabulary exercises! But every now and then, as a nice mental break, you can look up “memes graciosos” or “memes chistosos” to find some recommendations for funny memes Spanish that other Spanish speakers have found amusing. Use it as a cultural investigation and informal vocabulary building lesson to keep you laughing while you learn Spanish! Those of us who are TakeLesson Spanish instructors would also be thrilled to pass along great foreign language memes recommendations for you, too.
Catherine Donnelly