50 Popular Mexican Slang Words to Spice Up Your Spanish

Ever feel like your Spanish lessons just don’t capture the vibrant, colorful language spoken on the streets of Mexico? Well, amigo, you’re not alone! Mexican slang, or “slang mexicano,” adds a whole new layer of flavor to communication, allowing you to connect with locals on a deeper level and truly sound like a native.

But with so many slang words and phrases floating around, where do you even begin? Don’t worry, ¡no manches! This guide will equip you with 50 essential Mexican slang expressions, complete with English translations and context, so you can talk like a true chilango (Mexico City local) in no time.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn:

• Cool and casual: Master words like “chido,” “padre,” and “poca madre” to express coolness and excitement.
• Everyday interactions: Learn greetings like “¿qué pedo?” and farewells like “¡nos vemos!” to navigate social situations smoothly.
• Food and fun: Discover slang for delicious Mexican treats like “tacos de canasta” and activities like “ir de cotorreo” (to hang out).
• Understanding the locals: Unlock the meaning of “estar chevere” (to be good) and “me vale madre” (I don’t care) to truly understand local conversations.

Plus:

• Bonus tips: Learn how to use slang appropriately and avoid cultural faux pas.
• Regional variations: Discover slang unique to different parts of Mexico.
• Pronunciation guide: Master those tricky Mexican sounds with helpful pronunciation tips.

¡Vámonos! Let’s dive into the exciting world of Mexican slang and unlock a whole new level of cultural understanding and language fluency.

Ready to spice up your Spanish? Here is the complete list of 50 popular slangs!

1. Chido – Cool
2. Chamba – Job or work
3. Chela – Beer
4. Guácala – Gross
5. Neta – Truth or real
6. Chavo(a) – Boy or girl
7. Jalar – To pull or to go
8. ¡Órale! – Wow! or Alright!
9. Mande – What? (as in “What did you say?”)
10. Chamba – Work or job
11. ¡No manches! – No way! or You’re kidding!
12. ¡Aguas! – Watch out!
13. Cuate – Buddy or friend
14. Fresa – Snob or posh
15. Chismoso(a) – Gossip
16. Güey – Dude or bro
17. ¡Qué padre! – How cool!
18. Fregar – To bother or to annoy
19. Cotorrear – To chat or gossip
20. Cuate – Buddy or friend
21. Gacho – Bad or unpleasant
22. Mamacita – Attractive woman
23. Naco – Unsophisticated or tacky
24. Güero(a) – Fair-skinned person
25. ¡Qué onda! – What’s up!
26. Chisme – Gossip
27. Chale – No way or bummer
28. Chido – Cool or awesome
29. ¡Ándale! – Come on! or Let’s go!
30. ¡Órale güey! – Wow dude!
31. Chiquito – Shorty or small
32. Cabrón(a) – Dude or tough person
33. Fregar – To bother or annoy
34. Mande – What? (as in “Pardon me?”)
35. Jefe – Boss or leader
36. Cuate – Buddy or friend
37. ¡Aguas! – Watch out!
38. Guácala – Gross or yuck
39. Mijo(a) – Son or daughter
40. Chela – Beer
41. Cotorrear – To chat or gossip
42. Güey – Dude or bro
43. ¡No manches! – No way! or You’re kidding!
44. ¡Aguas! – Watch out!
45. ¡Órale! – Wow! or Alright!
46. Güero(a) – Fair-skinned person
47. ¡Qué padre! – How cool!
48. Chamba – Work or job
49. Neta – Truth or real
50. Chavo(a) – Boy or girl