Spanish slang includes informal words and phrases that people use in everyday conversation to express themselves more naturally and colorfully. However, slang can be very different from one country or region to another, so it’s important to be aware of where a particular slang term is used.
General Spanish Slang
These slang terms are widely recognized across multiple Spanish-speaking countries. They are useful for everyday informal conversation but always be mindful of context and region.
| Spanish Slang | English Meaning | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¡Qué onda! | What’s up? | ¡Qué onda, amigo? | What’s up, friend? |
| Chido/a | Cool (Mexico) | Ese coche está bien chido. | That car is really cool. |
| Guay | Cool (Spain) | ¡Tu fiesta fue guay! | Your party was cool! |
| Tío / Tía | Dude / Girl (Spain) | ¿Qué pasa, tío? | What’s up, dude? |
| Pisto | Money (Central America) | No tengo pisto. | I don’t have money. |
| Buena onda | Nice person / good vibes | Ella es buena onda. | She’s a nice person. |
| Laburar | To work (Argentina) | Tengo que laburar hoy. | I have to work today. |
| Peliar | To fight (Colombia) | No me gusta peliar. | I don’t like to fight. |
| Chamba | Job (Mexico, Peru) | Busco chamba. | I’m looking for a job. |
| Mola | It’s great / cool (Spain) | Este libro mola mucho. | This book is really cool. |
| Plata | Money (South America) | Necesito plata. | I need money. |
| Che | Hey / dude (Argentina) | Che, ¿vienes? | Hey, are you coming? |
| Bacán | Cool / awesome (Chile, Peru) | ¡Qué bacán tu viaje! | Your trip is awesome! |
| Güey | Dude (Mexico) | ¿Qué onda, güey? | What’s up, dude? |
| Jato | House (Peru) | Vamos a mi jato. | Let’s go to my house. |
Regional Variations
Since slang is often regional, here are examples from specific areas to help you navigate different Spanish-speaking cultures.
| Region | Slang Word | Meaning | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Güey | Dude / guy | ¿Qué haces, güey? | What are you doing, dude? |
| Argentina | Che | Hey / dude | Che, ¿me ayudás? | Hey, can you help me? |
| Spain | Tío / Tía | Guy / girl (informal) | Ese tío es mi amigo. | That guy is my friend. |
| Chile | Bacán | Cool / awesome | La fiesta estuvo bacán. | The party was awesome. |
| Colombia | Peliar | To fight | No quiero peliar hoy. | I don’t want to fight today. |
| Peru | Jato | House | Vamos al jato de Ana. | Let’s go to Ana’s house. |
| Central America | Pisto | Money | ¿Me prestas pisto? | Can you lend me money? |
Using Slang Appropriately
Slang adds flavor to your Spanish, but it’s important to use it respectfully and in the right context. Avoid slang in formal settings, and don’t assume all Spanish speakers use the same terms.
| Tip | Explanation | Example in Spanish | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use context | Slang is for informal situations. | No uses slang en la oficina. | Don’t use slang at the office. |
| Be region-aware | Some slang is regional or may be offensive elsewhere. | En México “güey” es común, pero no en España. | In Mexico “güey” is common, but not in Spain. |
| Ask if unsure | When in doubt, ask what a slang word means. | ¿Qué significa “chido”? | What does “chido” mean? |
| Listen and learn | Pay attention to how native speakers use slang naturally. | Escucha cómo hablan en los videos. | Listen to how they speak in videos. |
| Avoid stereotypes | Don’t use slang to mimic accents or for humor inappropriately. | Usa el slang con respeto. | Use slang with respect. |
What should you do if you encounter a slang word you don’t understand?
Ask a native speaker what it means.
Asking a native speaker or checking a reliable source helps you learn the correct meaning and usage of unfamiliar slang.
Why is it important to be aware of regional slang differences?
Because slang meanings and acceptability vary widely between regions.
Slang can have different meanings or levels of acceptability in different Spanish-speaking regions. Being aware of this helps you avoid misunderstandings or offense.
Common Slang Categories
Here are some common categories of slang words to help you expand your vocabulary in specific areas.
| Category | Description | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Informal ways to say hello or goodbye. | ¡Qué onda! / ¡Chau! | What’s up! / Bye! |
| People | Slang for friends, dudes, girls, etc. | Tío / Che / Güey | Dude / Hey / Guy |
| Money | Informal words for cash. | Pisto / Plata | Money |
| Work | Casual terms for jobs or working. | Chamba / Laburar | Job / To work |
| Coolness | Words to say something is cool or awesome. | Chido / Guay / Bacán | Cool / Great |
| Places | Slang for common locations. | Jato / Antro | House / Club |
| Emotions | Slang to express feelings. | Estoy pilas / Estoy en la finta | I’m alert / I’m in the mood |
Next Steps
Slang is just one part of learning Spanish, so keep building your grammar and vocabulary for a well-rounded skill set. And if you want to see how slang fits into real conversations, try our Spanish Speaking Practice course, which includes everyday dialogue and pronunciation tips.
Flashcards (1 of 27)
- English Meaning: What’s up?
- Example in English: What’s up, friend?
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
