Handy Guide to Expressions and Slang in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Handy Guide to Expressions and Slang in Spanish-Speaking Countries
In a previous blog, we explored some of the differences between British and American English. Especially in the case of expressions and slang, Americans and Brits often find themselves “divided by a common language,” if you will. However, as any second-language learner or traveler knows, this confusion is not limited to British and American English. Even when traveling within the same region or the same country where the same language is spoken, it is normal to encounter peculiar expressions with which you may not be familiar. You might understand the words but have no idea why someone might be using them in a particular context.
Once you get over the initial intra-linguistic barrier, expressions are a fun way to communicate with others and to immerse yourself in the subtleties of a culture. Spanish is an official language in 20 countries around the world, and the slang and expressions vary across these countries. In this blog, we’ll have a look at some popular expressions from these countries. We’ll list provide their literal translation as well as their idiomatic meaning. Have a look at this guide as you prepare for your next trip to a Spanish-speaking country or for an upcoming get-together with Spanish-speaking friends or coworkers.
Argentina
Estar al horno
Literal translation: To be in the oven
This expression means to be in trouble. Typically, it is reserved for serious situations rather than temporary, minor inconveniences. You could add the phrase con papas (with chips) to estar al horno if the situation is really bad.
Tener mala leche
Literal translation: To have bad milk
In Argentina, to have bad milk means to have bad luck. You could also say “Qué mala leche!” to mean “What bad luck!”
Ser mala leche
Literal translation: To be bad milk
Not to be confused with “tener mala leche” above, “ser mala leche” is used to describe someone who is mean. This expression is not to be used lightly. To call someone “mala leche” is a major insult in Argentina.
Mandar fruta
Literal translation: To send fruit
“Mandar fruta,” or “sending fruit,” refers to talking nonsense. If someone is babbling something that doesn’t make any sense, you could say “Dejá de mandar fruta,” or “Stop talking nonsense!”
Tomátelo con soda
Literal translation: Take it with soda
Though this expression isn’t as commonly used as it once was, it is still widely understood. Taking something with a soda in Argentina means to take something lightly or to be chill about something. Another way of saying the same thing is “tranquila,” which means “calm down.” This phrase should not be used in very serious situations.
Bolivia
Me has llegado hasta la copete
Literal translation: You’ve brought me to the pompadour
If you didn’t already know, a pompadour is a type of hairstyle where a tuft of hair protrudes from the forehead. In Bolivia, this expression is used to tell someone “You’ve worn me out” or “I’m tired of your nonsense.”
No ve?
Literal translation: Don’t you see it?
This is the Bolivians’ way of saying “Right?” or “You know?” It’s a way of soliciting agreement from a listener. Though no response is required, most would respond with “si” (yes) or simply by nodding their head in agreement.
Chile
Tiene malas pulgas
Literal translation: To have bad fleas
If someone in Chile has bad fleas, it means they’re in a bad mood.
Estar pato
Literal translation: To be a duck
Being a duck in Chile means to be out of money or to be broke.
Salto lejos el mani
Literal translation: Look how far the peanut jumped
Have one of those friends who’s nosy and needs to get in on everyone’s gossip? If you’re in Chile, you can tell them “salto lejos el mani.” This is a way of telling someone to mind their own business.
Más tonto que una puerta
Literal translation: Dumber than a door
In Chile, this is a way of calling someone a moron.
Subir al columpio
Literal translation: To get someone on a swing
To get someone on a swing in Chile means to make fun of them.
Colombia
Quien pidió pollo?
Literal translation: Who ordered chicken?
While in America, chicken has a negative connotation, it has a positive one in Colombia. You can use this expression in Colombia to acknowledge when a good-looking guy or girl approaches or passes by. Said good-looking person is the “chicken.”
Chupar piña
Literal translation: To suck/lick a pineapple
Feeling romantic in Colombia? You might be in the mood to “chupar piña,” which means to kiss someone a lot.
Hacer el oso
Literal translation: To make/do the bear
To make or do the bear in Colombia means to do or make something embarrassing or laughable.
Costa Rica
Pura vida
Literal translation: Pure life
This is a very important and multipurpose expression in Costa Rica and exemplifies Costa Ricans’ attitude towards life. This phrase can be used to mean “hello,” “goodbye,” “how are you?” “all is good,” “thank you,” or “you’re welcome.”
Jalarse una torta
Literal translation: Pull a cake
In Costa Rica, if you made a mistake, you pulled a cake. “Jalarse una torta” means to mess up or to do something dumb or regrettable. You could also say “Qué torta” to mean “What a mess!” or “What a screw-up!”
Una teja
Literal translation: A roof tile
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón. “Una teja” is a slang expression for a 100-colones coin.
Va jalando
Literal translation: Go pulling
In Costa Rica, va jalando is a way of saying “go away,” or if you’re feeling really aggressive, “get lost.”
Cuba
Tu maletín
Literal translation: Your briefcase
This Cuban expression is a way of saying “That’s your problem!”
Me resbala
Literal translation: It slides off me
Couldn’t care less about something? In Cuba, you would say “Me resbala!” which would be understood as “I don’t care.”
Tumba eso
Literal translation: Knock that over
If you’re done talking about something or just don’t want to give it anymore attention, you could say “Tumba eso,” or “Just drop it.”
Más rollo que una película
Literal translation: More roll than a film
If someone is all talk and no action or portrays him- or herself to be more than they actually are, you would describe them as “más rollo que una película.
Eso huevo quiere sal
Literal translation: That egg wants salt
This Cuban expression refers to doing something because you want something.
Dominican Republic
A buen hambre, no hay pan duro
Literal translation: When you are really hungry, no bread is too hard
This is a Dominican way of saying “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” In other words, if you really want something, you will find a way to make it happen.
Ay, mi madre!
Literal translation: Oh, my mother!
This is similar to the American “Oh man!” It can also be a way of expressing surprise or amazement, kind of like “Wow!”
La piña está agria
Literal translation: The pineapple is sour
In the Dominican Republic, to say the pineapple is sour means that things are difficult or challenging.
Te subi lo vidrio
Literal translation: Shut the window
You can use this Dominican expression when you’re done talking to someone or don’t want to hear them out anymore. When you reach this point, you’re ready to “shut the window” on them.
Ecuador
Puras huevadas
Literal translation: A nest of eggs
In Ecuador, a “nest of eggs” refers to “nonsense.” Talking nonsense in Ecuador would be “talking a nest of eggs.”
Estar salado
Literal translation: To be salty
This Ecuadorian saying means to have bad luck.
Ya no jala
Literal translation: Not pull any longer
Similar to how Americans say “losing steam,” to not be able to pull any longer means to be tired in Ecuador.
Hacer la foca
Literal translation: To make the seal
When an Ecuadorian makes a fool of themselves, they are said to “make a seal” of themselves. “Hacer la foca” refers to doing something regrettable or embarrassing.
Hacer la vaca
Literal translation: To do/make the cow
To do or make the cow in Ecuador is what Americans would refer to as “going Dutch.” This expression refers to splitting the bill when going out.
El Salvador
Buena onda
Literal translation: Good wave
“Buena onda” conveys what Americans might refer to as “good vibes.” This expression is used to describe having a positive feeling about someone or something.
Maleta
Literal translation: Suitcase
If you want to call someone a loser in El Salvador, call them a suitcase instead. A maleta refers to someone who’s not good at anything in life.
Tener goma
Literal translation: To have glue
This expression isn’t exclusive to El Salvador, but it’s a good one to know, as it is commonly used. Tener goma is slang for having a hangover.
Guatemala
A huevos
Literal translation: To the eggs
This Guatemalan expression roughly means “for sure” or “exactly.” It’s the response you would elicit if you say something logical or expected.
Aguas!
Literal translation: Waters
If you hear “Aguas!” being yelled in Guatemala, chances are the speaker’s not just really excited about water. Instead, this is a way of signaling impending danger. So keep your ears peeled. “Aguas!” could save your life.
Ser muy viernes
Literal translation: It’s so Friday
In the US, Friday has almost all positive associations. In Guatemala, on the other hand, to say something is “so Friday” is to call it a drag or boring.
Chucho
Literal translation: Dog
To call someone a “chucho” in Guatemala is to call them greedy. Most of the time this phrase is a little derogatory, but when spoken in the right company, it can also be used as a term of endearment.
Clavo
Literal translation: Nail
“Clavo” is used by Guatemalans to describe a challenging or difficult situation.
Honduras
Fresa
Literal translation: Strawberry
Though not limited to Honduras, this is a common phrase you’ll hear many Hondurans say. “Fresa” is used to describe someone who is conceited or thinks they are better than everyone else. It can also be used to describe a cool or good-looking object.
Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente
Literal translation: A shrimp that sleeps is taken away by the current
This expression means that if you don’t seize an opportunity as it comes to you, you’ll quickly lose your chance.
Harina de otro costal
Literal translation: Flour from another sack
If someone brings up something that has nothing to do with the topic at hand, you can respond that that’s “harina de otro costal,” or flour from another sack.
Mexico
Encabronarse
Literal translation: To turn into the big goat
In Mexico, if someone gets mad, they “turn into the big goat” (“se encabrona”).
Tirar el perro
Literal translation: To throw the dog
To “throw someone a dog” in Mexico means to flirt with them.
Comer el mandado
Literal translation: To eat groceries
If someone is taking advantage of you in Mexico, they are said to be “eating your groceries” (“te come el mandado”).
Ser bien sangrón
Literal translation: Bleeding copiously
If someone is unbearable, a Mexican would say they’re “bleeding copiously.”
Echarle mucha crema a sus tacos
Literal translation: Put a lot of cream on their tacos
In Mexico, someone who thinks very highly of themselves is said to “put a lot of cream on their tacos.”
Nicaragua
Sias caballo
Literal translation: Don’t be a horse
To tell someone not to be a horse in Nicaragua means telling them not to be silly.
Chiva
Literal translation: Goat
In Nicaragua, calling something a “goat” or a “chiva” means that it’s dangerous.
Contra el cacho
Literal translation: Against the horn
Running late? In Nicaragua, you’re “contra el cacho,” or “against the horn.”
Pelar el ojo
Literal translation: To peel the eye
Similar to the American expression “keep your eyes peeled,” “pelar el ojo” means to pay close attention to something.
Coyote
Literal translation: Coyote
Calling someone a coyote in Nicaragua is to call them a freeloader or a moocher.
Panama
Estar limpio
Literal translation: To be clean
To be “clean” or “limpio” in Panama means to be broke or to have no money.
Tirar cinta
Literal translation: To throw tape
Throwing tape is a Panamanian way of telling a story or an account of an event.
Dale cuero
Literal translation: Give it leather
If you’re in a hurry in Panama, you would “dale cuero,” which is their way of saying “do it fast.”
Hablar paja
Literal translation: To talk straw
“Talking straw” is understood in Panama is telling lies or talking nonsense.
Arrancarse
Literal translation: To pull off or tear off
This is a Panamanian expression for partying hard or living it up.
Paraguay
Andar por su cabeza
Literal translation: To go to one’s head
Going to one’s head means to do whatever one feels like.
Estar con los perros
Literal translation: To be with the dogs
In Paraguay, if you’re hanging with your friends, you’re with “the dogs.”
Bagre
Literal translation: Catfish
To call someone a “bagre” or “catfish” in Paraguay is to call them ugly.
Peru
Calabaza
Literal translation: Pumpkin
In Lima, the capital of Peru, calling someone a “calabaza” or “pumpkin” is to call them dumb or an airhead. You could make this sound a little less harsh by adding the diminutive “-ita.” Instead of meaning “stupid,” “calabacita” would mean something more like “not the sharpest tool in the shed.”
Churro
Literal translation: Churro
A churro is a fried-dough pastry typical of Spain and Portugal. In Peru, “churro” is also a way of referring to an attractive man.
Costilla
Literal translation: Rib
In Peru, “costilla,” or “rib,” is slang for girlfriend.
Pata
Literal translation: Paw
“Pata” is Peruvian slang for a close friend. “Pata de alma” would be a way of saying “best friend.”
Saco largo
Literal translation: Long jacket
In Peru, “saco largo” or “long jacket” is slang for a controlling partner.
Spain
Tomar el pelo
Literal translation: To take the hair
The same way Americans would say “pulling my leg,” the Spanish would say “taking the hair.” This expression refers to good-naturedly teasing someone.
Ser pan comido
Literal translation: To be bread eaten
Similar to the American “piece of cake,” “ser pan comido” is a Spanish way of saying something is really easy.
Quedarse de piedra
Literal translation: To stay like a stone
In Spain, this expression means to be stunned or amazed.
Estar más sano que una pera
Literal translation: To be healthier than a pear
This Spanish expression is pretty self-explanatory. It means to be really healthy or in good shape.
Echar agua al mar
Literal translation: To throw water into the sea
This Spanish expression is similar to the American “put a drop in the bucket.” It means to do something pointless.
Uruguay
Bailar en una pata
Literal translation: To dance with one foot
To dance with one foot in Uruguay means to be really happy.
Hablar hasta por los codos
Literal translation: To talk with one’s elbows
In Uruguay, someone who talks a lot is said to talk with their elbows.
Tirar fruta
Literal translation: To throw away fruit
Telling someone they’re throwing away fruit is the Uruguayans’ way of calling them a liar.
Me estás descansando?
Literal translation: Are you resting on me?
Instead of saying “Are you kidding me?” Uruguayans would ask “Are you resting on me?”
A llorar al cuartito
Literal translation: Cry in the small room
If someone doesn’t listen to you but then you end up being right, you might tell them “I told you so!” In Uruguay, you would tell them to cry in the small room.
Venezuela
Pana
Literal translation: Corduroy
In Venezuela, “pana” is a way of saying mate, buddy, or pal.
Pelo
Literal translation: Hair
“Pelo” is used to refer to a small or short amount of something.
Comer un cable
Literal translation: To eat a cable
“Eating a cable” in Venezuela refers to being broke or not having any money.
Llegar de arroceros
Literal translation: To arrive as rice farmers
This means showing up to a party uninvited. What Americans would call crashing a party, Venezuelans would call arriving as a rice farmer.
Sapear
Literal translation: To make a toad
In Venezuela, if you betray or tell on someone, you make them a toad.
Stay tuned for future blogs that will go into more detail on the regionalisms of specific countries.
If you’d like to learn more Spanish, regional slang and expressions, or prepare for your next trip to a Spanish-speaking country, Konversai is the place to do it. Konversai is your one-stop shop for any and all personal human knowledge on any subject you can imagine. The online platform connects providers of knowledge with seekers of knowledge through one-on-one live video conversations. Knowledge providers have the opportunity to make money by sharing with others what they know on their own time without having to leave their home. Knowledge seekers have the opportunity to engage in a personalized conversation on exactly what they’re looking to learn with an actual human being. All users are encouraged to be both knowledge providers and knowledge seekers on any and as many topics as they wish. Whether you’re on the platform as a provider or a seeker, you are sure to come out of the conversation feeling enriched. So whatever you’re passionate or curious about, bring it with you to Konversai. Get started today!
By Pavita Singh
Sources:
- Gritty Spanish. Cuban Phrases: Don’t Visit Cuba Without Knowing about These Popular Sayings.
- Hilder, Rosie. Top 10 Spanish Slang Phrases to Speak Like a True Argentine.”
- Latin Travel Guide. 18 Examples of the Finest Peruvian Slang.
- Luna, Rulo. (2015). 45 funniest Mexican expressions (and how to use them). Matador Network.
- Matador Network. 21 Funniest Expressions in Chilean Spanish.
- Mendez, Lola. (2017). The 21 funniest Uruguayan expressions (and how to use them). Matador Network.
- Schwartz, Mayela. (2015). The 28 funniest Venezuelan expressions (and how to use them). Matador Network.
- Stewart, Harry. (2017). 8 Bolivian Slang Expressions You’ll Need On Your Trip to Bolivia. The Culture Trip.
