Mexican Slang for Beginners: 58 Phrases to Know

A word of caution! Knowing Mexican slang can help you connect with locals and enhance your travel experience, but some words should be used carefully or in moderation. If you’re unsure about a word’s meaning or context, it’s probably best not to use it!

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Mexican Slang for Beginners: 58 Phrases to Know

A poco

An expression of surprise or disbelief 

• Literal translation: A little.
• Slang appropriation: Expresses amazement or confirms information
• Example: ¿A poco te gusta ese grupo?
• Translation: Really, you like that band?

Aguas

A warning to be careful or to watch out

• Literal translation: Waters.
• Slang appropriation: Alerting someone to danger or to be cautious.
• Example: ¡Aguas con el carro!
• Translation: Watch out for the car!

Ándale

• An expression used to hurry someone up or to agree
• Literal translation: Go ahead.
• Slang appropriation: Used to encourage someone to move quickly or to say “Alright.”
• Example: Ándale, que se hace tarde.
• Translation: Hurry up, it’s getting late.

Ando bien pedo

• Means “I’m really drunk.”
• Literal translation: I walk like a good fart. 
• Slang appropriation: Used to describe being very intoxicated.
• Example: Anoche andaba bien pedo en la fiesta.
• Translation: Last night I was really drunk at the party.

Cabrón

A strong term that may mean “bastard” or “badass,” depending on context

• Literal translation: Big goat.
• Slang appropriation: May be used as an insult or to describe someone tough.
• Example: Ese tipo es un cabrón.
• Translation: That guy is a badass.

Caguama

A large bottle of beer, typically 32 ounces or more

• Literal translation: Loggerhead turtle.
• Slang appropriation: Used to refer to a large-sized beer.
• Example: Vamos por unas caguamas al OXXO.
• Translation: Let’s go get some big beers at OXXO.

Cálmate

A command to tell someone to calm down

• Literal translation: Calm yourself.
• Slang appropriation: Used to ask someone to relax or stop being agitated.
• Example: ¡Cálmate! No es para tanto.
• Translation: Calm down! It’s not that serious.

Caramba

An exclamation used to express surprise, frustration, or amazement

• Literal translation: Similar to “Wow” or “Darn.”
• Slang appropriation: A mild expression of astonishment or annoyance.
• Example: ¡Caramba! Olvidé mis llaves en casa.
• Translation: Darn! I forgot my keys at home.

Chafa

Describes something of poor quality or cheap

• Literal translation: Cheap.
• Slang appropriation: Used to criticize the quality of an item or experience.
• Example: Esta tele es chafa, se descompone seguido.
• Translation: This TV is cheap, it breaks down often.

Chale

An expression of disappointment or frustration

• Literal translation: There isn’t a direct English translation.
• Slang appropriation: Used to express dismay or disapproval.
• Example: Chale, se nos acabó la gasolina.
• Translation: Damn, we ran out of gas.

Chamba

A job or work

• Literal translation: Job.
• Slang appropriation: Informal mention of employment or work tasks.
• Example: Tengo mucha chamba hoy.
• Translation: I have a lot of work today.

Chanclas

Flip-flops or sandals

• Literal translation: Flip-flops.
• Slang appropriation: Used to talk about casual footwear.
• Example: Me puse las chanclas para ir a la playa.
• Translation: I wore flip-flops to go to the beach.

Chavo

A term for a young boy or teenager

• Literal translation: Boy.
• Slang appropriation: Used to refer to a young person.
• Example: Ese chavo es muy simpático.
• Translation: That kid is very nice.

Chido

Something cool or awesome

• Literal translation: Cool.
• Slang appropriation: Used to express approval or admiration.
• Example: ¡Ese concierto estuvo chido!
• Translation: That concert was cool!

Chilango

Someone from Mexico City

• Literal translation: There isn’t a direct English translation.
• Slang appropriation: Used to identify people from Mexico City.
• Example: Mi primo es Chilango, vive en el DF.
• Translation: My cousin is from Mexico City, he lives in the capital.

Cochino

Means dirty, or filthy, can also refer to a pig

• Literal translation: Pig.
• Slang appropriation: Used to describe something or someone dirty.
• Example: ¡¿Qué cochino está tu cuarto?!
• Translation: How dirty is your room?!

Coda/Codo

A term used when someone is stingy or cheap

• Literal translation: Elbow – speakers often point to or grasp their elbow when saying this.
• Slang appropriation: Someone who doesn’t like to spend money.
• Example: No seas coda, invita algo.
• Translation: Don’t be stingy, treat us to something.

Crudo

Means hungover, typically feeling very bad

Literal translation: raw.

• Slang appropriation: Describes feeling bad after drinking too much.
• Example: Hoy no salgo, estoy crudo.
• Translation: I’m not going out, I’m hungover.

Ese

Similar to “dude” or “bro”

• Literal translation: That.
• Slang appropriation: Refers to someone casually.
• Example: ¿Qué pasó, ese?
• Translation: What’s up, dude?

Eso que ni qué

“No doubt about it” or “Definitely” 

• Literal translation: That, what not.
• Slang appropriation: Used to emphatically agree with something.
• Example: ¡Eso que ni qué, la película fue increíble!
• Translation: No doubt about it, the movie was incredible!

Está cañón

Something difficult or impressive

• Literal translation: It’s cannon.
• Slang appropriation: Emphasizes the difficulty or impressiveness of something.
• Example: El examen estuvo cañón.
• Translation: The exam was tough.

Feria

Cash or money

• Literal translation: Fair.
• Slang appropriation: Used to refer to cash or money.
• Example: No tengo feria para pagar hoy.
• Translation: I don’t have money to pay today.

Gandalla

Someone who is abusive or takes advantage of others

• Literal translation: There isn’t a direct English translation.
• Slang appropriation: Describes a jerk or someone who exploits others.
• Example: Ese tipo es un gandalla, siempre se aprovecha.
• Translation: That guy is a jerk, he always takes advantage.

Garrafón

A large container used for storing and dispensing water

• Literal translation: Large jug.
• Slang appropriation: Commonly refers to a 20-liter, refillable water bottle.
• Example: Necesitamos llenar el garrafón de agua.
• Translation: We need to fill the water jug.

Guácala

An exclamation to express disgust

• Literal translation: There isn’t a direct English translation.
• Slang appropriation: Used to react to something gross or unpleasant.
• Example: ¡Guácala, qué asco!
• Translation: Ew, how gross!

Güey

A casual term for “dude” or “guy,” sometimes spelled Wey

• Literal translation: Ox, oxen.
• Slang appropriation: Casual, similar to “dude” or “bro” 
• Example: ¿Qué onda, güey?
• Translation: What’s up, dude?

Jefa/Jefe

Boss or manager; may be used jokingly with friends

• Literal translation: Boss.
• Slang appropriation: Used to refer to someone in charge.
• Example: Mi jefa no quiere me voy al club.
• Translation: My boss (girlfriend) doesn’t want me to go to the club.

La tira

Slang for the police

• Literal translation: The strip.
• Slang appropriation: Used to refer to law enforcement.
• Example: ¡Cuidado, ahí viene la tira!
• Translation: Be careful, here comes the police!

Madres

Frustration expressed or to refers to things

• Literal translation: Mothers.
• Slang appropriation: Used to express surprise, anger, or to refer to stuff.
• Example: ¡Madres, se me olvidaron las llaves!
• Translation: Damn, I forgot my keys!

Malacopa

Someone who becomes unpleasant when drunk

• Literal translation: Bad cup.
• Slang appropriation: Describes a bad drunk.
• Example: No invites a Juan, se pone bien malacopa.
• Translation: Don’t invite Juan, he becomes a bad drunk.

Mande

“What?” or “Excuse me?”

• Literal translation: Command, command me
• Slang appropriation: Used to ask someone to repeat what they said.
• Example: ¿Mande? No escuché bien
• Translation: What? I didn’t hear well.

Me vale madres

“I don’t care”

• Literal translation: It’s worth mothers to me.
• Slang appropriation: Used to express indifference.
• Example: Me vale madres lo que piensen.
• Translation: I don’t care what they think.

Neta

A term used to ask if something is true or to express disbelief

• Literal translation: Truth.
• Slang appropriation: Used to confirm the truthfulness of a statement.
• Example: ¿Neta su bolsa hermosa?
• Translation: Is that really your beautiful bag?

Ni modo

An expression meaning “Oh well” or “Too bad”

• Literal translation: No way.
• Slang appropriation: Used to accept a situation that cannot be changed.
• Example: Ni modo, así es la vida.
• Translation: Oh well, that’s life.

No hay bronca

“No problem” or “No worries”

• Literal translation: There’s no fight.
• Slang appropriation: Used to assure someone that everything is okay.
• Example: No hay bronca, yo me encargo.
• Translation: No problem, I’ll take care of it.

No hay pedo

“No problem” or “It’s okay”

• Literal translation: There isn’t a fart.
• Slang appropriation: Used to indicate that there are no issues.
• Example: No hay pedo, lo resolvemos mañana.
• Translation: No problem, we’ll solve it tomorrow.

No hay tos

Another way of saying “No problem” or “It’s okay”

• Literal translation: There’s no cough.
• Slang appropriation: Used to indicate there are no issues.
• Example: No hay tos, lo resolvemos mañana.
• Translation: No problem, we’ll solve it tomorrow.

No mames

An expression of disbelief or surprise

• Literal translation: Don’t suck.
• Slang appropriation: Used to express shock or disbelief.
• Example: ¡No mames! ¿En serio?
• Translation: No way! Really?

No manches

A cleaner, milder version of “No mames,” to express surprise or disbelief

• Literal translation: Don’t stain.
• Slang appropriation: “No way!” or “Are you kidding?”
• Example: ¡No manches! ¿De verdad? 
• Translation: No way! Really?

Órale

Conveys encouragement, surprise, or approval

• Literal translation: There isn’t a direct English translation.
• Slang appropriation: Used to cheer someone on, agree, or express amazement.
• Example: ¡Órale, qué rápido corres! 
• Translation: Wow, you run so fast!

Perro

May be used to call someone “dude” or “jerk”

• Literal translation: Dog.
• Slang appropriation: Used to address a friend or insult someone.
• Example: ¿Qué onda, perro?
• Translation: What’s up, dude?

Pinche

A swear word used for emphasis, meaning “damn” or the F word, use with discretion!

• Literal translation: Kitchen helper.
• Slang appropriation: Used to intensify an insult or expression.
• Example: ¡Pinche tráfico, siempre hay embotellamientos! 
• Translation: Damn traffic, there are always jams!

Pirata

Something fake or not genuine

• Literal translation: Pirate.
• Slang appropriation: Counterfeit or a copy
• Example: Ese reloj es pirata, no es original.
• Translation: That watch is fake, it’s not original.

Poca madre

“Really cool” or “really bad,” depending on context

• Literal translation: Little mother.
• Slang appropriation: Something very good or very bad.
• Example: Esa fiesta estuvo poca madre.
• Translation: That party was awesome.

Pocho

Refers to a Mexican-American who speaks little or no Spanish, may be derogatory, use with caution

• Literal translation: No direct English translation but rumored to mean unripened fruit.
• Slang appropriation: Used to identify Mexican-Americans who are more Americanized.
• Example: Él es pocho, no habla bien español.
• Translation: He’s pocho, he doesn’t speak Spanish well.

Pomo

Slang for a bottle of alcohol

• Literal translation: Knob
• Slang appropriation: Refers to a bottle of booze.
• Example: Trae un pomo para la fiesta.
• Translation: Bring a bottle for the party.

Qué huevón

A phrase used to describe someone lazy or unmotivated

• Literal translation: What big egg.
• Slang appropriation: Used to call someone lazy.
• Example: No seas huevón y ponte a trabajar.
• Translation: Don’t be lazy, get to work.

Qué onda

A casual way of saying “What’s up?” 

• Literal translation: What wave?
• Slang appropriation: Used to ask how someone is doing or what’s going on.
• Example: ¿Qué onda, cómo estás? 
• Translation: What’s up, how are you?

Qué padre

An expression meaning “How cool!” or “How great!”

• Literal translation: What father.
• Slang appropriation: Used to show excitement or admiration.
• Example: ¡Qué padre tu carro nuevo!
• Translation: How cool is your new car!

Qué pasó

A phrase used to ask “What’s up?”

• Literal translation: What happened?
• Slang appropriation: Inquiry about an event or greeting someone.
• Example: ¿Qué pasó ayer en la fiesta?
• Translation: What happened at the party yesterday?

Qué pedo

A casual way of saying “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”

• Literal translation: What fart.
• Slang appropriation: Asking what’s happening or expressing disbelief.
• Example: ¿Qué pedo contigo?
• Translation: What’s up with you?

Qué tal

A way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s up?”

• Literal translation: What such.
• Slang appropriation: Inquires about someone’s well-being or greets them.
• Example: ¿Qué tal, todo bien?
• Translation: How are you, everything good?

Ratero

A term for a thief or someone who steals

• Literal translation: Thief.
• Slang appropriation: Calling someone who steals a thief, can be used jokingly
• Example: Ese ratero me robó la cartera.
• Translation: That thief stole my wallet.

Sale

Okay or alright

• Literal translation: It leaves.
• Slang appropriation: Used to agree with or confirm something.
• Example: Nos vemos a las ocho, ¿sale? 
• Translation: See you at eight, okay?

Sale y vale

“Okay, sure” or “Alright, it’s fine”

• Literal translation: It leaves and it’s worth.
• Slang appropriation: Rhyming words to confirm plans or agreements.
• Example: Vamos al cine, ¿sale y vale?
• Translation: Let’s go to the movies, okay?

Suave

Cool” or nice

• Literal translation: Soft.
• Slang appropriation: Describes something as cool or pleasant.
• Example: ¡Qué suave está tu casa!
• Translation: Your house is so nice!

Te crees muy muy

You think you’re so great

• Literal translation: You think you’re very very.

• Slang appropriation: To accuse someone of being conceited or arrogant
• Example: No te creas muy muy, todos cometemos errores.
• Translation: Don’t think you’re so great, everyone makes mistakes.

Ya estás

“You’re ready” or “Okay”

• Literal translation: You are already.
• Slang appropriation: Used to confirm understanding or readiness.
• Example: Nos vemos luego, ya estás.
• Translation: See you later, okay?

Wrap Up

In summary, learning Mexican slang is not just about mastering a few words; it’s about opening doors to authentic experiences and maintaining a sense of humor.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or enjoying an annual visit, taking time to learn Mexican slang with these 58 phrases may make your journey more memorable.

Curious to learn more? Start planning now to visit Mexico and experience the language and slang first-hand. ¡Ándale!