Spanish slang vocabulary covering common informal expressions, regional variations, and cultural usage for everyday conversation.
Spanish slang includes informal words and phrases used in conversation across different Spanish-speaking regions. These expressions often reflect local culture and can vary widely from country to country.
Common Slang
Here are some frequently used Spanish slang words that appear in many different regions. They cover greetings, reactions, and everyday situations.
| Spanish Slang | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¡Qué onda! | What’s up? | ¡Qué onda, amigo! | What’s up, friend! |
| ¡Qué chido! | How cool! | ¡Qué chido está tu carro! | How cool your car is! |
| Estoy jodido | I’m screwed | Estoy jodido con este examen. | I’m screwed with this exam. |
| ¡No manches! | No way! / You’re kidding! | ¡No manches, eso es imposible! | No way, that’s impossible! |
| Chamba | Work / Job | Tengo chamba hoy. | I have work today. |
___, eso es imposible!
Which Spanish slang expression means 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!'?
¡No manches!
The expression '¡No manches!' is used to show disbelief or surprise, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!' in English.
Regional Slang
Spanish slang varies greatly by country. Here are some examples from Mexico, Spain, and Argentina that reflect local speech.
| Country | Spanish Slang | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Güey | Dude | ¿Qué pasa, güey? | What’s up, dude? |
| Spain | Tío / Tía | Dude / Girl | Ese tío es muy gracioso. | That guy is very funny. |
| Argentina | Che | Hey / Buddy | Che, ¿todavía vienes? | Hey, are you still coming? |
Slang for People
These slang terms are used to describe people, either affectionately or critically. They appear in conversations about friends, strangers, and characters.
| Spanish Slang | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pendejo/a | Fool / Idiot | No seas pendejo. | Don’t be an idiot. |
| Güer@ | Blonde / Light-skinned person | La güera es mi prima. | The blonde is my cousin. |
| Chavo/a | Guy / Girl (young person) | La chava es muy amable. | The girl is very kind. |
Slang for Things
These slang words replace standard nouns for objects, food, and money. They’re common in casual speech and reflect everyday life.
| Spanish Slang | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lana | Money | No tengo lana. | I don’t have money. |
| Faro | Headlight / Can also mean “head” | Me dio un golpe en el faro. | I got hit on the head. |
| Camión | Bus | Tomé el camión al centro. | I took the bus downtown. |
Slang for Actions
These phrases describe common activities, often with a humorous or exaggerated tone. They’re useful for telling stories and describing daily routines.
| Spanish Slang | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echar la hueva | To be lazy | Hoy voy a echar la hueva. | Today I’m going to be lazy. |
| Chupar | To drink alcohol | Salimos a chupar anoche. | We went out drinking last night. |
| Rifar | To be awesome / To rock | Ese chico se rifa jugando fútbol. | That guy rocks at playing soccer. |
Salimos a ___ anoche.
What does the slang verb 'chupar' mean in casual conversation?
chupar
While 'chupar' literally means 'to suck,' in slang it commonly means 'to drink alcohol,' especially in informal settings.
Conclusion
Spanish slang is rich and diverse, reflecting the cultures and regions where it’s spoken. These tables cover some of the most common expressions, but exploring local slang is the best way to speak like a native.
Flashcards (1 of 17)
- English Equivalent: What’s up?
- English Example: What’s up, friend!
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
