Common Spanish Slang from Around the World (Audio Included)

Most traditional Spanish courses won’t teach you much slang (a.k.a.  argot or jerga ). But it’s hard to fit in with native speakers without it!

We’re big believers in going off the beaten path with language learning. That’s why our team of Spanish students and native speakers have compiled this mega-list of Spanish slang from around the world. 

In this post, you’ll learn slang words along with their literal meanings, explanations and cultural notes. That way, when it’s time for you have a Spanish conversation with native speakers, you’ll fit right in!

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Common Spanish Slang

Spanish Slang for Friend

There are so many different ways to say amigo (friend). The following slang terms are just the tip of the iceberg.

Spanish Slang for Friend	Meaning	Country/Region
Colega	Buddy	Spain
Socio	Partner or friend	Latin America
Compa	Short for compadre , meaning friend or pal	Mexico
Parcero	Friend	Colombia
Cuate	Buddy	Mexico
Cuateco	Friend	Mexico
Pata	Friend	Peru
Goma	Friend	Dominican Republic
Jato	Friend	Peru
Maje	Friend	Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua
Panita	Buddy	Venezuela
Broder	Friend	Honduras
Primo	Cousin or friend	Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
Pana	Friend	Venezuela
Compita	Short for compadre , meaning friend or buddy	Mexico
Camarada	Comrade or friend	Mexico
Corillo	Group of friends	Puerto Rico
Máquina	Buddy or mate	Argentina

Spanish Slang for Girl

How do you refer to a girl using slangy language? Use one of the following options! Be forewarned, though: These are generally not the most respectful ways to address a lady.

Spanish Slang for Girl	Meaning	Country
Chica	Girl	Universal
Mami	Mommy, babe, girl	Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
Guapa	Beautiful girl	Spain
Morra	Young girl	Mexico
Peque	Short for pequeña , meaning small or young girl	Mexico
Chava	Young girl	Mexico
Chiqui	Short for chiquita , meaning small or young girl	Latin America
China	Girl	Mexico
Flaca	Skinny girl	Latin America
Gordibuena	Curvy girl	Mexico
Gorda	Chubby girl	Latin America
Reina	Queen, beautiful girl	Latin America
Rubia	Blonde girl	Latin America, Spain
Tetona	Busty girl	Mexico
Zorra	Promiscuous girl	Spain
Chamaca	Young girl	Mexico
Pelada	Young girl	Peru

Spanish Slang for Guy

And now, the guys! Once again, these aren’t always the most polite terms for men, and are generally used among friends.

Spanish Slang for Guy	Meaning	Country
Chico	Guy	Universal
Vato	Guy	Mexico
Chavo	Young guy	Mexico
Pibe	Young guy	Argentina
Flaco	Skinny guy	Latin America
Morro	Guy	Mexico
Mero mero	Main man, close guy friend	Mexico
Macho	Macho or tough guy	Latin America, Spain
Pelado	Young guy	Peru
Gallo	Guy	Mexico, Central America

Spanish Slang for Cool

Knowing all the ways to say “cool” in Spanish is pretty cool, if you ask us.

Spanish Slang for Cool	Meaning	Country
Copado	Cool	Argentina, Uruguay
Genial	Great or cool	Spain, Latin America
Fregón	Cool	Mexico
Paja	Cool	Colombia
Mola	Cool	Spain
Padrísimo	Very cool	Mexico
Pata	Cool	Peru
Alucinante	Mind-blowing or cool	Spain
Piola	Cool or relaxed	Argentina, Chile
Chévere verga	Really cool	Venezuela
Bacano	Cool	Colombia
Onda	Cool or good vibes	Argentina, Chile
Cachilupi	Cool or great	Honduras
Mamey	Cool or easy	Mexico, Guatemala

Spanish Slang for Money

Got the cash? Here’s how different Spanish-speaking countries refer to money informally.

Spanish Slang for Money	Meaning	Country
Plata	Money	Universal
Billete	Bill or money	Latin America
Feria	Cash	Mexico, Central America
Dinero	Money	Universal
Chavos	Cash	Mexico
Luka	Money	Chile
Panoja	Stack of bills or money	Mexico
Parné	Money	Spain
Guita	Money	Argentina, Chile
Morlaco	Money	Colombia
Pepe	Money	Dominican Republic
Real	Money	Mexico
Guita verde	Green money	Argentina
Torta	Money	Colombia
Papeles	Papers or money	Puerto Rico
Lata	Money	Colombia
Chamba	Money	Peru
Fajo	Stack of bills or money	Mexico
Pela	Money	Dominican Republic
Billetera	Wallet or money	Argentina

Spanish Slang for Beautiful

The word for “beautiful” in Spanish is hermoso , but there are many other casual ways to say beautiful, depending on where you are and what (or who) you’re talking about.

Spanish Slang for Beautiful	Meaning	Country
Guapo	Handsome/Beautiful	Spain, Latin America
Bonito	Pretty/Beautiful	Universal
Lindo	Cute/Pretty	Latin America
Precioso	Precious/Beautiful	Spain, Latin America
Bello	Beautiful	Universal
Mamacita	Attractive woman	Mexico, Central America
Papacito	Attractive man	Mexico, Central America
Divino	Divine/Beautiful	Spain, Latin America
Estupendo	Wonderful/Beautiful	Spain, Latin America
Pintoso	Gorgeous/Stylish	Argentina
Regia	Gorgeous	Mexico, Central America
Rico	Hot/Beautiful	Latin America
Bacano	Cool/Beautiful	Colombia
Cuero	Hot person	Colombia, Venezuela
Pinturita	Beautiful person	Colombia
Bombón	Eye candy/Beautiful person	Argentina
Macizo	Hot/Attractive	Spain, Latin America

https://www.fluentu.com/blog/spanish/ways-to-say-beautiful-in-spanish/

Spanish Slang for Love

Love is in the air!  El Amor is the dictionary word for “love.” Here are some slang terms for love and a few terms of endearment from around the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish Slang for Love	Meaning	Country
Cariño	Affection/Love	Universal
Querido	Dear/Loved one	Universal
Mi media naranja	My better half (lit: My half orange)	Spain, Latin America
Mi vida	My life	Universal
Enamorado	In love	Universal
Corazón	Heart	Universal
Churri	Sweetheart	Spain
Mi cielo	My sky	Universal
Mi sol	My sun	Universal
Tesoro	Treasure	Universal
Mi reina	My queen	Spain, Latin America
Mi alma gemela	My soulmate	Spain, Latin America
Mi chiquitín	My little one	Spain, Latin America
Bombón	Sweetie	Argentina
Media sandía	Half a watermelon	Mexico, Central America
Mi perrito	My little dog	Central America
Amorcito	Little love	Latin America
Mamacita / Papacito	Baby	Mexico, Central America

Spanish Slang Insults

These Spanish slang insults are funny ways to poke fun at your friends. But be careful not to use them with the wrong people, because they’re really not nice things to say. These are just for fun!

Spanish Slang Insults	Meaning	Country
Boludo	Commonly used as a friendly insult meaning "idiot" or "jerk" (lit. "big balls")	Argentina
Cabrón	Can mean "bastard" or "jerk," used as both an insult and a term of endearment	Mexico
Maricón	Derogatory term for a gay man or a man perceived as weak or effeminate	Various Latin American countries
Huevón	Similar to boludo, means "lazy" or "stupid"	Chile/Peru
Pendejo	Insult for someone perceived as foolish, naïve or gullible	Mexico
Gilipollas	Similar to pendejo, used to insult someone perceived as foolish or annoying	Spain
Pelotudo	Another way of saying boludo or huevón, means "idiot" or "lazy"	Argentina/Uruguay
Jodido	Can mean "effed up" or "messed up," used as an insult for someone problematic	Various
Chingón	Can mean "badass" or "arrogant," used as an insult or term of endearment	Mexico
Chuchín	Used to refer to someone small, weak or insignificant, can also mean "coward"	Nicaragua

You can find more curse words in the video below from our YouTube channel:

Spanish Slang from Around the World

Vamo — Let’s go

Literal meaning: Let’s go

This is the shortened version of  vamos (let’s go). It’s just a quicker way to get the crowd moving!

¡Vamo! (Let’s go!)

Me cae gordo — I don’t like him, he bothers me

Literal meaning: I find him fat

Even though it definitely sounds like it, this phrase isn’t for calling someone fat! Me cae gordo means that you don’t like someone or they rub you the wrong way.

You usually use this phrase when it’s a first impression or a gut feeling.

Mi nuevo jefe me cae gordo. (My new boss bothers me.)

Chulo — Cool, Attractive

Literal meaning: Neat

In Spain, it’s common to use the word chulo (neat, lovely) in place of  bonito (pretty). It can also be used to say that something’s “cool.”

On the other hand, if you use chulo to refer to a person in Spain, it can have a negative connotation. You’re basically saying that the person’s conceited.

In Latin America, chulo takes on a slightly different meaning as it usually refers to an attractive man.

¡Qué chulo! (How cool!)

Papi chulo. (Hot stuff.)

Vale — Okay, Yes

Literal meaning: “It’s worth it” or “That’s the ticket”

If someone tells you something and you want to confirm that you’ve heard, say vale (okay).

You can also use it in place of the word “yes” when someone asks you a question.

¡Vale! (Okay!)

Cuatro gatos — Small gathering

Literal meaning: Four cats

This one is easy to remember and can boost your conversational skills a ton because it’s so versatile.

Use it when trying to say that there’s a small number of people present.

¿La fiesta? Eran cuatro gatos. (The party? There were just a few of us.)

Papa frita — Dumb person

Literal meaning: French fry

This term is useful for moments when either you or someone you know makes a silly mistake. It teases, lightens a situation and generally makes people smile.

Papa frita, vas por el camino equivocado.  (Dummy, you’re going the wrong way.)

Mosca — An annoying person

Literal meaning: Fly

We’ve all dealt with flies that just won’t leave you alone. This is why people often use the same word to describe a person that’s annoying!

No le hagas caso. ¡Es una mosca!  (Don’t listen to him. He’s annoying!)

Pasar el mono a pelo — To go cold turkey

Literal meaning: Pass the monkey bareback

This refers to stopping something suddenly, like a bad habit or even a luxury that may be eating away at a budget.

Él no está bebiendo cerveza hoy. Está tratando de pasar el mono a pelo. (He’s not drinking beer today. He’s trying to go cold turkey.)

Mano — Homie, Bro

Literal meaning: Short for  hermano (it actually means “hand” in Spanish, though that’s just a coincidence)

Since this is the abbreviated version of the Spanish word for “brother,” it makes sense that this is like saying “bro.”

Vamos al partido de baloncesto esta noche, mano. (We’ll go to the basketball game tonight, homie.)

Babosa / Baboso — Dimwit, Idiot

Literal meaning: Slug

Babosa is often used to mean “dimwit” or someone who’s gullible. This ends up being used a lot in reference to a dumb blonde.

However, you should use this word with caution. While in some places it might be lighthearted, in most of Central America it means “idiot”—or worse.

Ese tipo es un baboso. (That guy is an idiot.)

Un depre — A downer

Literal meaning: A depress

You probably know a person who always has something negative to say no matter what, right? Well, that person is a depre.

No me gusta estar con Miguel, es un depre. (I don’t like being with Miguel, he is a downer.)

Porfa — Please

Literal meaning: Abbreviated por favor

This is a way to say please in a quicker manner. Since it’s just the shortened version of “por favor,” the literal and slang meanings are the same.

Me gustaría un café, porfa. (I’d like a coffee, please.)

Spanish Slang from Spain

Tío / Tía — Friend, Guy, Girl

Literal meaning: Uncle / aunt 

One of my young Spanish friends was always talking about this tío (uncle) and that tía (aunt), and I was convinced he had a huge family.

In fact, in Spain, tío and tía are used to refer to a friend, or often just anyone in general.

¡Eh, tía! ¿Qué tal? (Hey girl! How are you?)

¿Viste ese tío? Se veía súper enojado. (Did you see that guy? He looked really angry.)

Chaval / Chavala — Kid, Youngster

Literal meaning: N/A

I like to think of these terms as the younger versions of tío and tía.

While you’re in Spain, you’ll likely come across gaggles of teens loitering in the street. Yep, those are chavales (young people).

Interestingly, chaval comes from the Caló language and means “boy.”

Los chavales hoy no tienen buenos modales. (The young people today don’t have good manners.)

Me importa un pimiento — It doesn’t matter

Literal meaning: It matters a pepper to me

While we don’t have a phrase exactly like this in English, you can probably guess its meaning. It’s the equivalent of IDGAF: You don’t really care, or it isn’t worth your time or effort.

If you want to change it up a little,  pimiento is commonly exchanged with  pepino (cucumber), comino (cumin) and  rábano (radish)!

La boda me importa un pimiento. (I could care less about the wedding.)

On that note, check out our hefty Spanish food vocabulary list.

Ser la leche — That’s sick

Literal meaning: To be the milk

Ser la leche can mean both “really amazing” or “really awful.”

It may seem bizarre that the same phrase can mean exactly two opposite things, but we do the same in English.

Think of the slang word “sick,” which can either mean disgusting (negative) or really cool (positive).

“¡Vamos al concierto de Bad Bunny!” (We’re going to the Bad Bunny concert!)

“¡Es la leche!”  (That’s sick!)

Mala pata — Bad luck

Literal meaning: Bad paw

You know how people carry around a rabbit’s foot for good luck? If you have a bad paw, you’re carrying around bad luck instead of good luck—like a rabbit’s foot!

Son las cinco y acaba de entrar un cliente, qué mala pata. (It’s five o’clock and a customer just walked in, what bad luck.)

Ir a tapear — To go for tapas

Literal meaning: N/A

Tapas are a type of appetizer that’s specific to Spain. When someone wants to ir a tapear, it means that they want to go out and get tapas.

Tapear isn’t really even a verb anywhere but in Spain.

¿Vamos a tapear esta noche? (Are we going to eat tapas tonight?)

Ser majo / maja — To be nice

Literal meaning: A Madrid resident from a popular neighborhood known for its colorful dress and arrogant attitudes (18th and 19th centuries)

If a Spaniard says that you’re majo, they mean that you’re  simpático (nice). 

María siempre ayuda a sus amigas cuando están tristes. Ella es tan maja. (Maria always helps her friends when they’re sad. She’s so nice.)

Los viejos — Parents

Literal meaning: The elderly

Young people in Spain sometimes refer to their parents as los viejos (the elderly) in the presence of friends. Some might even use it to directly address their parents, though this is dependent on their familial dynamics.

In these cases, it’s more like saying “my old man” in an affectionate and playful way.

Quiero salir pero mis viejos me obligan a quedarme y cuidar a mi sobrino. (I want to go out but my parents told me I have to stay and look after my nephew.)

Estar como una cabra — To be crazy

Literal meaning: To be like a goat

If you have a batty great aunt who hoards tinfoil, you might refer to her (lovingly, of course) with estar como una cabra.

This word will always be feminine, no matter who it’s used for.

Mi abuelo está como una cabra. Piensa que los extraterrestres visitan su casa cada domingo. (My grandpa is crazy. He thinks that aliens visit his house every Sunday.)

Guay — Cool, Great

Literal meaning: N/A

If you like something because it’s cool or awesome, you can say that it’s guay (cool).

You can also use it as a more excited “okay” or “great.”

¡Qué guay! (How cool!)

Molar — To like

Literal meaning: Molar (tooth)

This one is also derived from the Caló language, and it’s a verb that means “to be worth it.”

However, in Spanish slang, it means “to like,” and is used in the same way as the verb gustar (to like). 

Maria me mola.  (I like Maria.)

Comerse el coco — Overthink

Literal meaning: Eat one’s coconut

When you have something on your mind and you think constantly about it, this is the term that’ll apply to that situation.

Se está comiendo el coco y se está volviendo loco.  (He’s overthinking and driving himself crazy.)

Qué pasada — Cool, Amazing

Literal meaning: What a craze

If you travel to Spain, you may hear this snappy expression a lot. This basically means that something is cool or that it’s very good. 

¿Compraste zapatos nuevos a la venta? ¡Qué pasada! (You bought new shoes on sale? That’s amazing!)

Cotilla — A busybody or person who gossips

Literal meaning: Gossip

This refers to someone who is gossiping or someone who needs to know everyone’s business. This person is adept at poking into things that aren’t any of their concern.

Esa mujer es una cotilla. Ella siempre está escuchando secretos. (That woman is a busybody. She’s always listening to secrets.)

Ir a su bola — To do their own thing

Literal meaning: Go to one’s ball

If someone decides to ir a su bola, it means that they’re going to do their own thing.

There’s a slight negative connotation associated with this phrase, as if the person is going against logic or not being considerate when they’re trying to ir a su bola.

Ella no viene a nuestras fiestas, ella va a su bola.  (She doesn’t come to our parties, she does her own thing.)

Common Slang in Spanish Latin America

Wey — Dude

Literal meaning: N/A

This term actually began as buey , which means “ox.” Over time, it evolved into güey (used some decades ago), into the wey we know today!

The term is used to call someone “dude,” and refers to a friend or other individual. It’s used exclusively in Mexico.

¿Wey, quieres ir al cine?  (Dude, want to go to the movies?)

Mula — Dumb, Stupid

Literal meaning: Mule

This term is used in Guatemala to reference someone’s lack of intelligence.

It isn’t a very nice slang word, and won’t exactly win you new friends. But you might be able to use it with people you’re familiar with.

¡Mula! (Stupid!).

¡Qué chilero! — Cool, Very good

Literal meaning: N/A

This sweet little Guatemalan phrase pretty much covers anything that’s agreeable.

Use it to show appreciation for food, shopping, events or whatever else comes your way!

“Vamos a nadar.” (We’re going swimming).

“¡Qué chilero!” (Cool!)

Chido — Very good

Literal meaning: N/A

Although believed to have originated in Costa Rica, in Mexico, they use this to say something is very good.

¿Le gusta la comida? ¡Qué chido!  (He likes the food? Very good!)

Ese — Homie

Literal meaning: That

There’s not much explanation for this one, but you will certainly hear it a lot in Mexico!

Nos vemos en el antro, ese. (I’ll see you at the club, homie.)

¡Órale! — Okay, Hurry up, Nice

Literal meaning: N/A

This one can be used for quite a few situations. It can be used when you’re in a hurry to say “let’s go.” It can also be used to agree with something or express your surprise. 

According to RAE, this word originated from  ahora le (meaning “now”)—where le is simply added to further emphasize the interjection.

“Necesito ir a la playa por favor.” (I need to go to the beach please)

“¡Órale!” (Let’s go!)

Galla — Girl

Literal meaning: Rooster

This is the feminine form of gallo (rooster), and is used to refer to a girl in Chile.

Ella es una linda galla. (She’s a cute girl.)

Bacán — Cool

Literal meaning: N/A

This is what you’ll hear for “cool” in several countries in South America, like Columbia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile.

It’s actually a word of Genoese origin, meaning “master.” 

¡Mira, qué bacán!  (Look, how cool!)

¿Qué hubo? — What’s up?

Literal meaning: What was there?

In Colombia, as in many other parts of the world, it’s common for people to greet each other with the expression “What’s up?”

This Colombian slang is just an offbeat twist on the common phrase.

Hola Mariana, ¿qué hubo? (Hey Mariana, what’s up?)

Chévere — Cool

Literal meaning: N/A

This is yet another way to say “cool,” and is most common in Venezuela and Colombia.

Its actual etymology is uncertain, but the most accepted theory is that it comes from the Kalabari language in Nigeria, where chebere means “wonderful” or “excellent.”

“Podemos reunirnos en el restaurante.” (We can meet at the restaurant.)

“¡Chévere!” (Cool!)

Nena — Girl

Literal meaning: Baby

Puerto Rican slang is vivid and often descriptive, but one of its simplest words is nena (girl). This can refer to any female, from toddler age up to adulthood.

However, using this for a woman of advanced age, like someone’s mother or grandmother, would be disrespectful.

¡Te ves hermosa hoy, nena!  (You look beautiful today, girl!)

Pura vida — Good vibes

Literal meaning: Pure life

This Costa Rican phrase sums up the way of life in this beautiful country perfectly.

Costa Ricans value kindness and simplicity, and use this phrase as a greeting or a way to wish you a happy life.

Bienvenido a la tienda, ¡pura vida! (Welcome to the shop, good vibes!)

Buena onda — Good vibe

Literal meaning: Good wave

This is a way to say “good vibes” or “cool” in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Mexico. 

Eres buena onda. (You are cool/nice.)

Vaina — Thing, Stuff

Literal meaning: Scabbard

This word is very popular in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. It’s used to say “thing” or “stuff.”

It can be used in several contexts, but keep in mind that it’s usually not a positive term.

¿Qué es esa vaina?  (What is that thing?)

¿Qué bolá? — What’s up?

Literal meaning: What’s ball?

This is a very common greeting in Cuba. You would often use this phrase instead of cómo estás when asking how someone is.

¿Buenos días, qué bolá?  (Good morning, what’s up?)

Ofi — Okay, Sure

Literal meaning: Short for  oficial (official)

This is a way just to say “okay” or “sure,” and is most often used in Panama.

“¿Quieres ir a tomar un café?” (Do you want to go for coffee?)

“Ofi.” (Sure.)

Argentinian Slang

There are over 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world, and each has its own Spanish slang, accent and dialect.

Read on to see a few of the most common slang terms from each country. Note that some of these can be used as slang in multiple countries!

Argentinian Slang	Meaning
Che	A common way to address someone in Argentina, sort of like "hey" or "dude" in English. It can also be used to get someone's attention.
Bondi	Bus, the primary mode of public transportation in Argentina
Boliche	Nightclub bar
Re	Very or really. For example, Estoy re cansado would mean "I'm really tired."
Fideo	Noodle, often used as a playful way to refer to a person with a skinny or lanky build

Bolivian Slang

Bolivian Slang	Meaning
Huayco	Used to describe a sudden and heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding and landslides
Volador	A hit-and-run accident, where a driver hits someone and then immediately flees the scene
Cholito	Used to refer to indigenous Bolivians, particularly women, who wear traditional dress
Papita	Easy or simple, often used to describe a task that is not difficult
Chuqui / chuta	Used to refer to someone who's ugly or unattractive

Chilean Slang

Chilean Slang	Meaning
Pololo	Boyfriend or girlfriend
Cachai	Used to mean "do you understand?" or "get it?"
Fome	Boring or uninteresting
Caleta	A lot or a ton
Taco	Traffic or a traffic jam
Cuico	Someone upper class or snobby
Pichanga	A casual game of soccer or another sport
Copete	Alcohol liquor

Colombian Slang

Colombian Slang	Meaning
Chimba	Cool or great, but can also mean terrible or awful, depending on the context
Mono	This means "blonde," but can also be used as a term of endearment for someone with fair skin or light hair
Guachar	To watch or keep an eye on
Ñero	Someone from a poor or working-class background
Chuspa	Bag or backpack
Sapo	Snitch or tattletale, often used to describe someone who gossips or spreads rumors

Cuban Slang

Cuban Slang	Meaning
Chivatón	Snitch or tattletale
Jinetero	Used to describe someone who works in the tourism industry, often as a hustler or a guide
Yuma	This is a slang word for the United States, used to refer to the country or to someone from the U.S.
Pingüino	Fool or a jerk
Candela	This means fire or flame in Cuban slang, but can also be used to describe a difficult situation
Fula	Fake or counterfeit
Luchar	To fight or to struggle, often used in political contexts

Dominican Slang

Dominican Slang	Meaning
Guagua	Bus
Jeva	Girlfriend or a significant other
Chapear	To kiss or make out
Yeyo	Cocaine
Tiguere	Used to describe a street-smart person, often with a bit of a bad reputation
Vaina	Thing, often used to refer to a difficult or frustrating situation
Fiao	Owing someone money, often used in the context of informal loans between friends or family

Ecuadorian Slang

Ecuadorian Slang	Meaning
Bacán / chévere	Cool
Chiro / chira	Broke or penniless
Chompa	Sweater/jacket
Chuchaqui	Hangover/hungover
Farra	Party
Ñaño / ñaña	Brother or sister, often used as a term of endearment
Pelado / pelada	Boyfriend/girlfiend
La yoni	The United States

El Salvadorian Slang

El Salvadorian Slang	Meaning
Chivo	A police officer
Güiro	A friend or pal
Chero	A buddy or partner
Pistear	Used to describe drinking alcohol
Marero	A gang member
Vacilón	Something fun or entertaining
Cuajo	Something excellent or fantastic
Cipote	A kid or child
Fuchila	A bag or purse

Guatemalan Slang

Guatemalan Slang	Meaning
Chilero	Cool or awesome
Chela	Beer
Chafa	Fake or counterfeit
Chambear	To work
Chiri	Cold
Fregar	To bother or annoy

Honduran Slang

Honduran Slang	Meaning
Catracho	Used to describe a person from Honduras
Chito	Quiet or hush
Feriado	Day off or holiday
Goma	Hangover
Lempira	This is a slang term for "money," named after the Honduran currency
Papada	Double chin
Pinche	Used to express anger or frustration, similar to the English word "darn"

Mexican Slang

Mexican Slang	Meaning
Neta	Truth or honesty
Padre	Cool or awesome, similar to chido
Qué onda	Slang expression for "what's up" or "how's it going?"
Chingar	A slang verb that can be used in many ways, but often means "to mess with" or "to screw over"
Carnal	Brother or close friend
Mota	Used to refer to marijuana

You can also learn more Mexican slang in this Peso Pluma hit:

Nicaraguan Slang

Nicaraguan Slang	Meaning
Chavalo	A young person, teenager or child
Pisto	Cash or money in general
Tuanis	Cool, great or awesome
Dar candela	Used when someone is teasing or joking around with another person
Chanfle	An exclamation of surprise, frustration or disappointment
Bacanal	A party or social gathering
Fresa	Someone snobbish or pretentious
Pinolero	Someone from Nicaragua or something related to Nicaragua

Panamanian Slang

Panamanian Slang	Meaning
Chombo	Used to refer to a person from Panama
Chuleta	Someone smart or talented
Plena	Used to express agreement with something or someone
Camote	Something or someone awkward or uncomfortable
Patacones	A popular Panamanian snack made of flattened and fried plantains
Ñame	Used to insult someone who is perceived as stupid or foolish
Guayabo	Hangover, or the unpleasant feeling after consuming too much alcohol
Mopri	A motorcycle or motorbike

Paraguayan Slang

Paraguayan Slang	Meaning
Jopara	Refers to the mix of Spanish and Guarani language spoken in Paraguay
Ña	A woman or lady
Guampa	A traditional Paraguayan drinking vessel made from a cow's horn
Kurépa	A traditional Paraguayan food made from cornmeal
Juga	Playing a game or sport
Churro	A mess or chaos
Poronguero	A person who makes and sells mate gourds, a popular Paraguayan drinking vessel
Tereré	A traditional Paraguayan drink made from yerba mate, served cold
Pora	Someone lazy or unmotivated

Peruvian Slang

Peruvian Slang	Meaning
Chibolo	A kid or young person
Canchero	Someone stylish or fashionable
Chapa	A police officer
Pituco	Someone rich or wealthy
Trome	A newspaper

Puerto Rican Slang

Puerto Rican Slang	Meaning
Wepa	A common greeting used to say "hello" or "what's up"
Janguear	The act of hanging out with friends
Coger	Used to describe the act of catching or grabbing something
Yal	A girl
Boricua	Used to describe a person from Puerto Rico
Jevi	Cool or awesome

Uruguayan Slang

Uruguayan Slang	Meaning
Laburar	Working
Rejunte	A group of people
Bolazo	A lie
Facha	Used to describe someone's appearance or looks
Cheto	Someone snobbish or who thinks they're better than others
Cana	A police officer
Afanar	Stealing
Apretado	Someone broke or who doesn't have money
Mango	Money

Venezuelan Slang

Venezuelan Slang	Meaning
Chamo	A boy or girl
Arrecho	Someone angry or frustrated
Verga	Used as a curse word or to express frustration, similar to the English f-word
Chupe	An alcoholic drink, typically beer or liquor
Pelo	Money
Estar pelando	Used to describe being broke or not having money
Guiso	A scam or swindle

How to Practice Spanish Slang

The best way to pick up slang is by listening to native speakers and how they use slang themselves.

Slang is pretty easy to find in authentic Spanish media, especially in movies, TV shows and web videos, which are all accessible online. There’s also the authentic video library on the language learning program FluentU.

I also recommend downloading a language exchange app. You can make friends with Spanish speakers from the specific country you want, allowing you to easily and quickly learn that country’s slang.

Finally, using a modern dictionary app like SpanishDict will show you the colloquial version of words you look up (if there is one) and where each term is from. This lets you learn slang even when you aren’t trying to!

Spanish Slang Dictionaries

Here are some great Spanish slang dictionaries that will teach you more colloquial language you might not learn in Spanish class. 

“3,000 Spanish Words and Phrases They Won’t Teach You in School”

This convenient pocket guide offers over 3,000 slang terms including words, phrases, idioms and other sayings. It focuses on Mexican culture and slang. 

The book will help to fill the gaps by teaching you things you didn’t learn in school and explaining wordplay and/or double meanings.

Sections are grouped thematically and entries are organized alphabetically within these sections. There are even helpful symbols to indicate the level of vulgarity.

“Streetwise Spanish Dictionary/Thesaurus”

This useful dictionary features over 5,000 slang terms and idioms covering all Spanish-speaking countries.

Each entry contains the Spanish term, its meaning, whether or not it’s vulgar, an example of how it’s used and information on where it’s used.

In the thesaurus section, words are grouped thematically in categories like “expressions of anger.” This book also offers illustrations, quizzes, examples and cultural information.

“Street Spanish Slang Dictionary and Thesaurus”

“Street Spanish Slang Dictionary and Thesaurus” features over 1,000 entries, including slang, idioms and other colloquialisms.

The book aims to “make you feel like an insider.” It offers a focus on general Spanish language slang.

While it’s not as extensive as some other dictionaries, it does offer helpful information, including a thesaurus of vulgar slang.

“The Red-Hot Book of Spanish Slang and Idioms”

This book includes a Spanish-English dictionary and an English-Spanish dictionary. It offers 5,000 entries featuring slang and idioms from all Spanish-speaking regions.

The Spanish-English entries feature the word or phrase, a literal translation and the actual definition.

The entries also show countries where the expression is used, say whether it’s vulgar and include a usage example. 

“Dictionary of Spanish Slang and Colloquial Expressions”

This book features nearly 4,500 slang words and phrases along with colloquial expressions and vulgar words and phrases from all Spanish-speaking regions.

It specifically targets speakers who are at or above an intermediate-level proficiency.

Each entry contains the Spanish word or phrase, its English meaning, an example of how it’s used and information on where it’s used.

“Mexican Slang Plus Graffiti”

This book focuses exclusively on Mexican expressions. It also explains terms found in graffiti.

The book offers both “translated Americanisms” and “major Mexicanisms.” This means you can look up an English phrase to find the Mexican equivalent or look up a Mexican phrase to find its meaning.

There are also thematically grouped sections like “party time” for easy perusing. The book does contain quite a few vulgar terms, so be careful where you use them!

“Dirty Spanish”

This book includes slang, insults, sexual terms and curse words, making it best for adult learners.

It focuses primarily on slang that’s used across regions, but some regional slang is also included. It does assume you know at least some Spanish, so it isn’t for early beginners.

The book is grouped thematically for easy perusal, with categories like “angry Spanish,” to give you a clear idea of what sorts of situations you might use the words or phrases in.

Spanish Slang Dictionary

If you prefer your slang dictionary in app form and have an iOS device, this is a good option for easy look-ups on the go.

It includes over 21,000 entries and covers American, British, Latin American and Spanish slang. Vulgar words are also included.

Each entry contains a definition of the word, its translation (including translations that also use slang) and several synonyms. Each entry is also marked with the region of the slang.

 

With these Spanish slang words, you’ll sound like a native in no time.

So get out there and practice in the real world—whether it be with your Spanish-speaking family, in-person friends or online friends.