10 Mexican Spanish Slang Words and What They Really Mean

By Jairo Pérez

Reading time: 0 minute

January 13, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Chido – “Cool” or “Awesome”

2. No Manches – “No Way!” or “You’re Kidding!”

3. Güey – “Dude” or “Bro”

4. Órale – “Wow!” or “Let’s Go!”

5. Fresa – A “Snob” or a “Preppy” Person

6. ¡Qué Padre! – “That’s Great!”

7. Aguas – “Watch Out!”

8. Carnal – A Best Friend or “Bro”

9. Chamba – Work or Job

10. Neta – “Really?” or “Seriously?”

Why Learning Mexican Slang Matters

Final Thoughts

Introduction

Learning Spanish can be fun, especially when you start to understand the way people really talk. One big part of this is Mexican Spanish slang. These are the informal Mexican Spanish words and phrases that people use every day in Mexico.

If you only study textbook Spanish, it might be hard to follow real conversations. People don’t always speak formally. They use Mexican slang words, phrases, and expressions, especially when they’re talking to friends or joking around.

This blog will help you learn common Mexican slang. You will sound more like a local. You will feel more confident talking with native speakers. Let’s look at 10 popular and fun slang words used in Mexico and what they mean!

1. Chido – “Cool” or “Awesome”

“Chido” is one of the most common Mexican slang words. It means something is really cool or great.

Example:

“Tu mochila está bien chida.”
(Your backpack is really cool.)

People use it all the time when they like something. It’s very popular among youth slang in Mexico.

2. No Manches – “No Way!” or “You’re Kidding!”

This is a funny and expressive phrase. It’s used when you are shocked, surprised, or don’t believe something.

Example:

“Ganaste la lotería? ¡No manches!”
(You won the lottery? No way!)

It’s a good example of Spanish slang in Mexico that’s very common in conversations. Just be careful, there’s a similar phrase “no mames” that is stronger and a bit rude.

3. Güey – “Dude” or “Bro”

“Güey” is one of the most famous Mexican slang terms. It’s used to talk to your friends, kind of like saying “dude” or “buddy” in English.

Example:

“Qué onda, güey?”
(What’s up, dude?)

It’s super popular, especially among teens and young adults. But it’s part of informal Mexican Spanish, so don’t use it in serious or formal settings.

4. Órale – “Wow!” or “Let’s Go!”

This word can mean a lot of different things depending on how you say it. It’s another piece of colloquial Mexican expressions that shows how rich and playful the language can be.

Examples:

If someone tells a great story, you say “¡Órale!” to show you’re impressed.
If someone says “Let’s go,” you might answer, “¡Órale, vámonos!” to agree quickly.

5. Fresa – A “Snob” or a “Preppy” Person

“Fresa” literally means “strawberry,” but as slang, it describes someone who is spoiled, rich, or acts like they’re better than everyone else.

Example:

“Ella es bien fresa.”
(She acts very snobby.)

It’s used to talk about people who seem fancy or show off their money. Be careful, it’s not always a nice thing to say.

6. Qué Padre! – “That’s Great!”

This is one of those popular Mexican slang phrases and meanings that everyone should learn. It’s used when something exciting or cool happens.

Example:

“Voy a ir a la playa este fin de semana.”
(I’m going to the beach this weekend.)
“Qué padre!”
(That’s awesome!)

Even though it literally means “What a father!”, it’s one of the slang words used in Mexico to express joy.

7. Aguas – “Watch Out!”

“Aguas” is a word used as a warning. It originally came from the old days when people would throw water into the street and shout to warn others.

Today, it means, “Be careful!” or “Look out!”

Example:

“Aguas! Viene un coche.”
(Watch out! A car is coming.)

It’s part of the everyday Mexican colloquial expressions that even kids know.

8. Carnal – A Best Friend or “Bro”

“Carnal” means someone is like family, even if they’re not your real brother. It’s one of those words that shows love and trust.

Example:

“Él es mi carnal desde la infancia.”
(He’s been my bro since childhood.)

This word is very popular in informal Mexican Spanish and shows strong friendship.

9. Chamba – Work or Job

“Chamba” is the Mexican slang word for work. If you’re talking about your job casually, this is the word to use.

Example:

“No puedo salir, tengo mucha chamba.”
(I can’t go out, I have a lot of work.)

This is part of everyday Spanish slang that you’ll hear in many workplaces across Mexico.

10. Neta – “Really?” or “Seriously?”

“Neta” is a word people use when they want to know if someone is telling the truth. It’s also used to say, “I swear it’s true!”

Examples:

“Neta?”
(Really?)
“Te lo digo neta.”
(I swear it’s true.)

This is one of those slang words used in Mexico that helps you sound real and relatable.

Why Learning Mexican Slang Matters

Using Mexican slang helps you understand real conversations, especially among young people. These common Mexican phrases are not usually taught in school. However, they are important for understanding jokes, stories, music, memes, and daily life in Mexico.

For example, imagine watching a Mexican comedy show or listening to a Spanish song. If you only know textbook Spanish, you might miss the meaning of funny lines or emotional expressions. But if you understand Mexican Spanish slang, you’ll catch the hidden meanings and enjoy the show even more.

If you travel to Mexico, talk with Mexican friends, or watch a Spanish movie, knowing Mexican slang words and phrases can help. It can make your conversations more fun, friendly, and relaxed. You’ll also feel more confident when locals speak to you using everyday words. When traveling through Mexico, understanding local etiquette can help avoid awkward moments.

Slang is often used in casual conversations, on social media, in WhatsApp messages, and even in online games. People speak differently when they’re with friends. They shorten words, use expressions with double meanings, and mix humor with emotion. These are things you won’t find in a grammar book.

By learning informal Mexican Spanish, you are doing more than just learning words. You are discovering how people live and connect. It’s like getting a glimpse into the culture.

You will understand Mexican humor, attitudes, and lifestyle better. When native speakers see you using slang naturally, they will know you’ve worked hard to learn more than just the basics. Learn the essential Spanish phrases for everyday conversations that help you blend in like a local.

Also, slang can help break the ice. When you use a fun word like “chido” (cool) or “órale” (wow/let’s go), people often smile. It can help you make friends faster and feel more included in group conversations. That’s especially helpful for students, travelers, or anyone living or working in Mexico.

Another reason why learning slang is important is because of social media. A lot of Spanish slang in Mexico is used on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. So if you follow Mexican influencers or creators, you’ll see and hear these slang words all the time. Knowing them will help you follow trends, comment naturally, and even create your own content in Spanish if you want to.

In short, slang makes your Spanish feel alive. It brings color, humor, and real meaning to your words. You’ll not only speak better, you’ll understand more and enjoy every Spanish conversation even more.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know these 10 Mexican slang words, you’re ready to join in more casual, friendly conversations. Don’t be afraid to try them out the next time you’re speaking Spanish. Start small, maybe say “¡Qué padre!” when something is fun, or greet a friend with “Qué onda, güey?”

Remember, slang can change from place to place and even among age groups. What sounds normal for a teenager might not be common for older people. Also, some slang words are stronger than others. It’s always a good idea to listen first, notice how others use them, and then join in.

But don’t worry too much about making mistakes. People will usually appreciate that you’re trying. Most native Spanish speakers love when learners make the effort to speak their language, especially when they use words that locals use every day.

These 10 slang words are a great place to start, but they’re just the beginning. As you listen, read, and talk more, you will find many other phrases. These phrases make Mexican Spanish rich, funny, and full of personality.

Try using these words with friends, in online chats, or while watching shows and YouTube videos in Spanish. Practice them out loud. Use them in your notes. Before long, you’ll be using them naturally without even thinking twice.

So go ahead, make your Spanish fun and real. Don’t just speak Spanish. Speak Mexican Spanish with confidence, culture, and flair!

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.