35 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You Should Know

35 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You Should Know Sign up successful Here, well discuss common Spanish slang words from a few different countries so you can start practicing with friends. (You should also practice cognates words you already know in Spanish to add even more to your vocabulary)! Spanish Slang From Around the Globe Spanish Slang in Mexico Spanish slang is often used in Mexico when speaking with friends in informal settings. Here are some of the most common words and phrases youll come across, along with a visual reminder below: ¡Chale! (Give me a break!) ¿Mande? (What did you say?) ¡Noombre! (No way!) Sale (Alright) ¡Qué padre! (That’s tight!) ¡Ãndale! (Come on!) ¡Ã"rale! (All right!) ¡Aguas! (Watch out!) Sangrón (Stuck up person) Fresa (Preppy/snobby/spoiled brat) Here is an example conversation where you can see some Spanish slang in action: “ ¡Mijo!”  (My son!) “ ¿Mande?” (What?) “ ¿Dónde está tu prima?” (Where’s your cousin?) “ ¿Cual prima?” (Which cousin?) Ay, tú sabes. La fresa.” (Oh, you know. The snob.) “Pues, no sé. Pensé que estaba trabajando.” (Well, I don’t know. I thought she was working.) “ ¡Noombre! Nunca hace nada.” (No way! She’s never doing anything.) “A poco. Pues, está mal.” (Really? Well, that’s not good.) Related Article: 20 Spanish Traditions Spanish Slang in Argentina There are just as many Spanish slang words that you can use in Argentina. Here are some words and phrases to know: ¿Qué onda? (What’s up?) ¿Como va? (What’s up?) Tacho (Taxi) Bondi (City bus) Pilcha (Clothes) Garca (Cheater/dishonest) Charlar (To have a conversation) ¡Ojo! (Be careful!) Dar bola (To pay attention) La Cana (The police) Trucho/a (Fake) Here is a sample conversation using Argentinian Spanish slang: “ ¿Como va?”  (How are you?) “Pues, más o menos, y tu?”  (Well, I’m so-so, and you?) “Un poquito enojado con mi novia.”  (A little mad at my girlfriend.) “Por qué?” ( How come?) “Porque es una mujer garca.”  (Because she’s a dishonest woman.) “No me digas. Te dije que te das bola.” (You don’t say. I told you to pay attention.) Spanish Slang in Colombia The Colombians know how to use their slang as well! Try any of these Spanish slang phrases out next time youre having a casual conversation. ¿Qué más? (What’s up?) ¿Qué hubo? (What’s up?) ¡Pilas! (Be careful!) ¡Qué boleta! (How embarrassing!) Camello (Heavy work) Mono (Blonde) Estar en la olla (To be in a bad situation) Storbar (To disturb) Another example conversation using Colombian Spanish slang: “ ¿Qué hubo?”  (What’s up?) “Nada, solo aqui pensando.” (Nothing, just thinking.) ” ¿Algo pasó?”  (Did something happen?) “Pues… estaba en la olla en mi trabajo.” ( Well… I was in a bad situation at my job.) “ ¿Y?” (And?) “Alguien me dio el trabajo equivocado y no sabia.” (Someone gave me the wrong job to do and I didn’t know it was wrong.) “ ¡Qué boleta!” (How embarrassing!) See Also: 14 Venezuelan Slang Words Spanish Slang in Guatemala Lastly, check out some of the Spanish slang words that Guatemalans use in everyday conversation. Dont forget to practice these if youre traveling to Guatemala soon! Calidá (Cool) Pizado (Idiot) Mula (Dumb) Chiveado (Blushed) Chavo/a (Guy/Teen girl) ¡Que chilero! (Cool!) Here is an example of the above Guatemalan slang in action: “Conocí a una chava.”  (I met a girl.) “Deveras?” (Really?) “Sí, era tan bonita, y yo en silencio me puse chiveado.” (Yes, she was so pretty, and I was blushing in silence.) ”Jeje, que chilero.” (Hehe, that’s cool.) As you can see, slang words are commonly used in Spanish culture. If  you have any questions about certain Spanish slang words, you can always ask a friend, or your Spanish tutor, to see if youre using the word correctly. Want to learn more colloquial Spanish? Check out this program from our friends at GrittySpanish.com! Post Author:  Emmanuel N. Emmanuel N. teaches online Spanish and singing lessons. He earned his B.A. in psychology from California State University, Fullerton and has been teaching since 2015.  Learn more about Emmanuel here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher