Language is not simply the grammar and verb conjugations that we pull together to form sentences. This is undoubtedly extremely useful in communicating our basic needs and thoughts. However, language and culture are inextricably mixed, and the words that fall outside of a formal language-learning context often embody essential pieces of the culture in which that language lives. Spanish is a widely spoken language, and taking language courses will allow you to travel and speak with new people all over the world. However, the Spanish slang words used in each region that you learn upon coming into contact with the wide array of spoken Spanish will reveal deeper layers and the individual twists that each culture adds to such a widely shared language of communication.
Each country has their own idioms and phrases, and oftentimes, regions within the country do, as well. Hopefully you enjoy this article, which admittedly does nothing more than scratch the surface of a complex topic.
1. What’s up?
This very informal English phrase has several equally colloquial, widely accepted translations across different cultures.
We might all have learned “Que tal” or “Como estás”. These are fine, and are used all over, particularly in Spain. You might hear Mexicans casually call out “Que onda, guey”, or “Que pasa” in Latin America. Colombians have been known to utter “Que hubo pues” or “Quiubo” as another way of informally greeting friends. Argentinos will say “Che, boludo, cómo andás”.
Please note that it is best to stick to the traditional greetings in formal situations.
2. Cool
In Spain, you will hear a lot of people say “Que guay”, which means, how cool. You can also say “Es una pasada” or “mola mucho”. In much of South America, you will hear the remark “bacán” or “bacano” to refer to how cool something is, like “este coche es bacán”.
In Mexico, they use “chido”, i.e., “la camisa es muy chida”. They also use the word “padre”, as in, “que padre” when they’re exclaiming over how cool something is. I’ve asked them why fathers are cooler than mothers, but never received a satisfactory answer. Many countries will also say “que chévere”, such as Ecuador.
3. Girls, otherwise referred to as “chicks”
Many people think that Spain has some strange slang, including the use of the word “tía” to refer to “girl” casually. Yes, “tía” means “aunt”, but is also used to refer to girls casually, like “He conocido a una tía super guay”.
Countries like Mexico and Guatemala will also say “chamaca” or “chamaquita” as a term of endearment, as well as “chava”.
Argentina and other South American countries also use “piba” or “mina”. “Mami” is also used, especially when referring to attractive girls, in Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, or Puerto Rico.
4. Guys
There are many terms that are used to casually refer to men. In Spain, in conjunction with “tía”, guys are referred to as “tío”. Similarly, other versions of the words used for “girls” are used for guys in the same context, such as “chamaco” or “chavo” in Mexico and Guatemala.
Mexico also uses “guey” or “cholo”. Slang from English also has some influence, with such slang as “brother” pronounced in Spanish. Ecuador also refers to guys as “el man”. You can often hear people throughout Latin America referring to their significant others as “papi”.
5. Okay
As a way of agreeing to a statement, there are still many ways to agree that can vary depending on the different countries. Spain uses “vale”, something that you are not likely to hear in other countries. Mexico uses “sale”, and in Argentina and other Latin American countries, they will respond with “dale”. Other responses include “está bien” and “correcto”, as well as “cómo no”.
6. Some notable differences in verb preferences
Spain uses the verb “conducir” when talking about operating motor vehicles. You will often hear the verb “manejar” in Latin American countries. Likewise “coger” is a frequently used verb in Spain to take classes, grab a cab, pick up a pencil.
It should be noted that this verb is used quite differently in many places in Latin America to refer to a sex act, and thus they replace it with other verbs, like “tomar” and “agarrar”. When in Spain, you might be able to “coger el tren”, but in Latin America, stick to “tomar el tren”.
7. To call attention to yourself
The standard phrase for calling attention to yourself, something that happens in foreign countries on occasion, is llamar la atención. In Spain, you can say “cantar mucho”, or, in Colombia, “dar papaya”. Yes, those phrases mean “singing a lot” and “giving papaya”. They’re amusing phrases to keep your vocabulary colorful.
8. If you have money, you can call attention to yourself. Speaking of money…
There are many slang words that refer to money, otherwise known as “dinero”. In Spain, it’s called “pasta” or “pavos” (yes, pasta or turkeys). In Mexico, you can call it “lana”. Many places in Latin America refer to it as “plata”, like Escobar’s famous line “plata o plomo” (money or lead). It can also be called “melones” in Colombia.
Knowing Spanish Slang Words & Phrases Can Help You in Real-World Conversations
Learning a language in a classroom is not the same as using it in everyday practical and social situations.
As an example, there are around 10 different regional twists on Spanish in Mexico alone, and you’ll encounter many new slang words to add to your vocabulary list throughout your travels. There are many numerous examples that could not be included in this article because of their… colorful nature, but try checking out Spanish language series or videos and taking some informal Spanish language courses to work on your colloquial Spanish!
Catherine Donnelly