Search results
- Pocho/a. This term refers to a Mexican-American person who has assimilated into American culture and no longer speaks fluent Spanish. It can be used as both a neutral or derogatory term depending on the context.
- Naco. This term is used to describe someone who is considered to have poor taste, lack sophistication, or behave in an uncultured manner. It is often used to mock or criticize someone’s style or behavior.
- Cholo. This term originally referred to a Mexican-American or Chicano gang member, but has evolved to represent a specific subculture characterized by a distinctive style, music, and attitude.
- Güey. This term originated in Mexico and is commonly used among friends to refer to each other in a casual and friendly way. It can be translated as “dude,” “buddy,” or “guy” in English.
- MI Alma — My Soul
- Bombón — Sweetie
- MI Vida — My Life
- Corazón — My Heart
- Mijo / Mija — My Son/Daughter
- MI Cielo — My Sky
- Nene / Nena — Baby Boy/Girl
- Chiquito / Chiquita — Little One
- Reinita — Little Queen
- Corazoncito — Sweetheart
This one means “my soul,” so you’d be right to assume that this isn’t used aslightly as the other nicknames that lovers may use. You’ll want to use this with a significant other who you’re very serious about. Sí, quiero casarme con ella, es mi alma. (Yes, I want to marry her, she is my soul.)
Bombón means “candy,” so this one isn’t that different from “sweetie,” right? If you want to make things extra-sweet, just add -ito to the end and … voilà! ¿Quieres venir conmigo, bomboncito? (Would you like to come with me, sweetie?)
Mi vida means “my life.” You might also hear vida mía, which means the same thing. Mi vida, siempre estaré contigo. (My life, I will always be with you.)
Corazón means “heart,” and it’s a nice way to express your love but still be a bit casual. You can also use corazón on its own. This one can be used between lovers, but you’ll probably hear it a lot when referring to children as well. You can also use mi corazóninstead, and it’ll have little-to-no change in meaning. Ten cuidado,corazón. (Be careful...
This word is short for mi hijo, which translates to “my son.” The feminine version is short for mi hija, which means “my daughter.” They can both be made diminutive, mijito andmijita, to make it even more charming. This term of endearment is used by parents, extended family, friends and strangers alike. While it may sound a little strange that a st...
This poetic term of endearment means “my little sky” or “my little heaven,” and is often used with children but sometimes with lovers as well. Note that this word does not change genders since el cielo (the sky) is always masculine. Isabel es bonita, mi cielo. (Isabel is beautiful, my little heaven.)
Nene translates to “baby boy,” and nena translates to “baby girl.” It can be used in a way similar to how “kiddo” is used in English. Also, it can be used like “babe” or “baby” to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend. Tu nene va a ser fuerte. (Your baby boy is going to be strong.)
This word may sound strangely familiar… probably because Chiquita is one of the most popular brands of bananas in the United States! Chiquita is used to call a girl “little one,” and chiquito is used for a boy. You can even add more it’s to the word for some extra sweetness (does chiquitita ring any bells?). Tienes mucho que aprender, chiquita. (Yo...
Meaning “little queen,” this one is usually reserved for young girls. Princesa, which means “princess,” is equally common for little ladies. Of course, some couples sometimes use these as well. Mi reinita puede tener lo que quiera. (My little queen can have whatever she wants.)
“Sweetheart” is probably one of the most common terms of endearment for children in English, and corazoncito is the Spanish equivalent. And again, you can certainly use this one when talking to your significant other. Ella es su corazoncito. (She is his sweetheart.)
- Guay. Spaniards use this word every 5 seconds. Use it to describe how great something is. You could hear extended versions like “guay del Paraguay” (cool from Paraguay) or “tope guay” (very cool) in movies from the 80s and 90s.
- Vale. This is the informal version of “de acuerdo” (all right/ok), and it’s extremely common Spanish slang. This is probably the first Spanish slang expression you’ll hear repeatedly and you can use it in many situations.
- Qué fuerte. This is one of the top 3 Spanish slang words, along with “guay” and “vale.” Use it when something happens that you find shocking, in a good or bad way.
- Chulo. Locals use this in a positive way to express how cool objects and places are. “Este centro comercial es muy chulo.” This shopping mall is very cool.
- Mijo / Mija. Mijo, mija, mijito, and mijita are perhaps the most Mexican terms of endearment of them all. They’re a fusion of the words mi hijo (my son) or mi hija (my daughter), while mijito and mijita are just the diminutives of the same words (my little son, my little daughter).
- Carnal / Compa / Cuate. I’ve put these three Mexican terms of endearment together because they all mean basically the same: dude. Carnal could be used as a synonym of brother too, but it’s more common to hear friends calling each other carnal.
- Mi vida. This is one of those Mexican terms of endearment that I’m not sure if it’s uniquely Mexican or if it even originated in Mexico. It’s actually a widely used term of endearment throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
- Cielo. Similar to the previous one, cielo also refers to your significant other. It literally means “sky” or “heaven,” and may have been popularized by a Spanish song globally associated with Mexico: Cielito Lindo.
- Güey. Güey or wey is a Mexican slang word for friend. However, it can also be used to say that someone is dumb, to express surprise or annoyance. So, depending on the context, it means ‘dude’, ‘mate’, ‘pal’, ‘buddy’, ‘guy’, ‘silly’, ‘dumb’ or ‘damn’.
- Pedo. Pedo is one of the most robust Mexican slang words. Its meaning depends on the phrase you use: Echarse un pedo – To fart. Estar pedo – To be drunk. Ponerse pedo – To get drunk.
- Chido. Chido is the Mexican slang word for ‘cool’ and ‘awesome’. Mexican speakers use this word to describe things and people or as an informal way to agree with something or say ‘thank you’.
- Neta. Neta or la neta is an informal synonym of ‘truth’ or ‘to be honest’. However, we can also use it as an expression to show surprise when someone is saying something to us.
Aug 9, 2023 · 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.”) Back to Top. That’s it for our list of Spanish slang!
People also ask
What is a good Spanish slang word?
What does güey mean in Spanish?
How do you Say 'Yes' in Mexican slang?
What does Vale mean in Spanish?
What does gandalla mean in Mexican slang?
What does shoddy mean in Spanish?
Mar 7, 2024 · A term from Costa Rica meaning something is cool or nice ; Example: Ese lugar es tuanis. (That place is cool.) Guide to Spanish slang phrases: final thoughts. And there you have it - the top 40 most common Spanish slang words and phrases from Spain and Latin America. Of course, this list only scratches the surface.
