Speak like a native by learning some Spanish slang words!
Like all other languages, conversational Spanish taught in classes or textbooks is very different from real-life conversations that you might partake in. This is because native speakers integrate Spanish slang words into their vocabulary. Similar to Spanish nicknames, slang is expressions or abbreviations of words and is avoided in formal writing or situations. There are about 20 countries that speak Spanish, which means a large variety of unique Spanish slang words.
In this article, we will showcase Spanish slang words used universally and in Spanish-speaking countries, so you can improve your conversational Spanish!
Spanish Slang Words
Here is a list of universal and country-specific Spanish slang words to add some spice to your conversational skills.
Whereas learning Spanish slang words can help you sound like a native, it is also important to cover important conversation Spanish topics like how to say thank you or good morning in Spanish!
Universal Slang Words
These are slang words that are used in all Spanish-speaking countries and hold the same meaning in each.
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vaina | vy-nah | A/The thing |
| Mande | mahn-deh | Come again?/Excuse me? |
| Plata | plah-tah | Money |
| Buenazo | bweh-nah-zoh | Very good |
| Ojo | oh-ho | Watch out |
| Chamba | chahm-bah | Work/Profession |
Country Specific Slang
These are Spanish slang words that are unique to each Spanish-speaking country.
Mexican Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Güey | Goo-ay | Dude |
| Chilango | Chee-lan-go | Someone from Mexico |
| No manches | No man-chess | No way |
| Sale | Sah-leh | Ok, sure |
| Neta | Neh-tah | Really?/Are you serious? |
| Ahorita | Ah-oh-ree-tah | Right this moment |
Colombian Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Paila | Pie-la | Too bad |
| Rumbiar | Room-bee-are | To party |
| Entucar | In-too-car | To kiss |
| Chino | Chee-noh | A child |
| Tinto | Teen-toh | Black coffee |
| El parche | Elle par-che | A group of friends |
Cuban Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Nos pillamos | No-s pee-ya-mos | See you soon |
| Me resbala | Meh res-bah-la | I don’t care |
| Jamar | Ta-mar | To eat |
| Tu maletín | Too mah-leh-teen | That’s your problem |
| Camello | Kah-meh-yo | Bus |
| Me piro | Meh pee-ro | I’m leaving |
Peruvian Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Roche | Roh-che | Embarrassing |
| Jama | Ha-ma | Food |
| Bamba | Bahm-bah | Fake |
| Al toque | Al toh-keh | Very quickly |
| Huevear | Weh-veh-are | To do nothing |
| Florear | Flo-re-are | To lie |
Argentinian Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Volá | Vo-lah | Leave |
| Che | Ch – eh | Hey |
| Forro | Fo-row | Idiot |
| Groso | Grow-so | The best |
| Laburo | Lah-boo-row | Job |
| Tener paja | Ten-air pah-ha | To feel lazy |
Chilean Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Buenmoso | Boo-en-mo-so | Beautiful |
| Pololo or Polola | Poh-low-low or Pow-low-la | Boyfriend or Girlfriend |
| Taco | Tah-kow | Traffic jam |
| Filo | Fee-lo | Alright |
| Mina | Mee-nah | Young woman |
| Carretear | Car-ray-teh-are | To party |
Venezuelan Slang
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Taima | Tie-ma | Stop |
| Dale | Da-lay | Of course! |
| Burda | Boor-da | A lot |
| Chamo | Cha-mo | Dude |
| Mamarracho | Ma-ma-ra-cho | Something ridiculous |
| Chimbo | Cheem-bo | Cheap |
Spanish Slang in Spain
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Venga | Ven-gah | Let’s go (somewhere) |
| Majo | Mah-ho | Cute |
| Cutre | Coo-treh | Unappealing |
| Joder | Ho-der | Dang it! |
| Hostia | Us-tee-ah | Dang |
| Flipar | Flee-par | Go crazy |
Extra Spanish Slang Words From Other Countries
| Slang Word | Spanish Pronunciation | Country of Origin | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offi | Oh-fee | Panama | Okay |
| Chendo | Chen-doh | Ecuador | Just kidding |
| Mae | May | Costa Rica | Dude |
| Chero or Chera | Che-ro or Che-ra | El Salvador | Guy or girl |
| Chercha | Cher-cha | Dominican Republic | A party |
FAQs for Spanish Slang Words
Slangs are everywhere, especially in text! Here are some Spanish slang words used when texting someone:
Grax – Gracias (Thanks_
K – Que (That)
X – Por (By or why)
TB – Ta bien or todo bien (That’s okay or all good)
Money makes the world go round, so what is the Spanish slang word for money? There is a large variety, including Cobre, Bolas, Feria, Morralla, and Oaoa.
Words like mi vida (my life), mi princesa (my princess), or mi chica (my girl) can be used as Spanish slang for girlfriend, or just overall a nickname of endearment!
Speak Spanish Like a True Native!
With these Spanish slang words, you will be well on your way to becoming a bonafide Spanish speaker! Learning doesn’t stop there though! Become a true Spanish Casanova by learning some Spanish pick-up lines or sweep them off their feet with ”I love you” in Spanish!
Learning a new language can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s why getting an online language tutor at AmazingTalker. is your gateway to reaching your fluency goals! Lessons can be customized to suit our needs— all in the comfort of your couch!
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