Spanish slang

By Marta Díaz on Thursday, October 3, 2024

Level up your knowledge by learning the most used Spanish slang words and phrases. So, when you come to one of our Spanish courses in Spain, you won't miss a thing. The most common expressions, words and phrases of everyday Spanish slang to sound like a native when you talk to the locals.

What does Spanish slang mean?

Spanish slang refers to a set of words, phrases or expressions that are used by a particular group of people, usually related by age, profession, culture or geographic location.

In Spain, as in any other country, there are many expressions and words that are part of everyday Spanish slang. However, these words are not always found in formal dictionaries, but they are fundamental to understand and adapt to colloquial speech.

Thus, if you want to sound like a native speaker when communicating with your classmates, teachers or host family in Spanish, use these Spanish slang words and expressions.

Common Spanish slang words and phrases

Here are some common Spanish slang words and expressions. Do you know any of them?

1. Guay. One of the most common words in Spanish slang is guay, which means “cool”, “fantastic” or “very good”. It is an informal word that is used in all regions of Spain and among people of all ages, although it is especially popular among young people.

For example: “La película estuvo guay, me encantó la trama” (The movie was cool, I loved the plot).

2. Molar. This verb is used to say that you like something a lot, that it is attractive or interesting. It is a very informal word and used mainly among young people. Molar is synonymous with gustar (to like), but in a more relaxed and youthful context.

Example: “Me mola mucho esa chaqueta, ¿dónde la compraste?” (I really like that jacket, where did you buy it?).

3. Tío/tía. In colloquial speech, tío and tía not only refer to parents' siblings (uncle and aunt) but are also used to talk informally about other people, especially friends. In this context, “tío” or “tía” would be translated as friend or girl/boy.

Example: “Tío, fue increíble lo que pasó ayer en el partido. ¿Te has enterado?” (Man, it was unbelievable what happened in yesterday's game. Did you hear about it?).

4. Flipar. A word used when something surprises or shocks you. It can have a positive or negative connotation, depending on the context. It can also be used in phrases like “estar flipando” to express surprise or disbelief.

Examples:

• “Flipé con la fiesta de anoche, ¡fue increíble!” (I was astonished with the party last night, it was amazing!).
• "Flipo con el comportamiento de Juan esta mañana, ¿no se ha dado cuenta de que le ha hablado mal a María?" (Juan's behavior was amazed this morning, hasn't he realized that he has spoken badly to Maria?).

5. Chungo. This word is used to describe something that is difficult, complicated or of poor quality. Although chungo can also refer to someone who is sick or unwell.

Example: “La situación está chunga, no sé cómo vamos a resolverla” (The situation is very complicated, I don't know how we are going to solve it).

6. Ser un crac. Saying that someone is a crack is a way of praising that person, highlighting that he or she is very good at something. It is an expression that has spread from the sports field, but nowadays it is used in all kinds of contexts.

Example: “Eres un crac en matemáticas, siempre sacas las mejores notas” (You are a pro in mathematics, you always get the best grades).

7. Currar. This is a colloquial way of saying to work. It is very common in Spain and is used in all kinds of informal contexts. The noun derived from this verb is curro, which means work or employment.

Example: “Mañana empiezo a currar temprano, así que me voy a casa” (Tomorrow I start working early, so I'm going home).

8. Estar de coña. This Spanish slang expression is used when something is a joke or not meant seriously. It is very common in conversations between friends to indicate that someone is joking.

Example: “¿De verdad dijiste eso? ¡Estás de coña!” (Did you really say that? You're kidding!).

9. Pasta. The word pasta in Spanish slang is used to refer to money. In other Spanish-speaking countries you may also hear plata or lana as a synonym for money. It is often used informally in almost any everyday situation when talking about money.

Example: “Este mes no tengo mucha pasta, así que no saldré” (This month I don't have much money, so I won't go out).

10. Ser un pijo. In Spain, to say that someone is a pijo or pija means that he or she is a person who belongs to the upper class or who has a conceited and materialistic attitude. The English translation is posh. This word is often used with a negative connotation, but it depends on the context and who is saying it.

Example: “No me cae bien, es demasiado pijo para mi gusto” (I don't like him, he's too posh for my taste).

11. Qué fuerte. This expression is used when something is incredible or surprising, either in a positive or negative sense. It is one of the most common Spanish slang expressions to express surprise or amazement.

Example: “¡Qué fuerte! No me esperaba que perdieran el partido de baloncesto” (Wow! I didn't expect them to lose the basketball game).

12. Estar petado. If something “está petado”, it means that it is very full or crowded with people. However, it can also refer to something that is broken or damaged.

Examples:

• “El concierto estaba petado, no cabía ni un alma” (The concert was jammed, there wasn't room for a single soul).
• “El móvil está petado, no funciona bien” (The cell phone is jammed, it doesn't work well).

13. Ser la leche. When something or someone is la leche it means that it is awesome, great or incredible. Depending on the context, it can be positive or negative. It can also be used for negative things.

Examples:

• “Esa chica es la leche jugando al fútbol” (That girl is impressive playing soccer).
• “Siempre llegas tardes, ¡eres la leche!” ('You're always late, you're unbelievable!).

14. Estar to' loco. This expression is used to say that someone is doing something very daring, exaggerated or out of the ordinary. “To'” is a Spanish contraction of “todo” and is very common in Spanish slang for young people.

Example: “Ese tío está to' loco, se lanzó al agua con ropa y todo” (That guy is crazy, he jumped into the water with clothes and everything).

Spanish slang is very varied and changes rapidly with the new generations. Therefore, it is in constant movement, and you will never stop learning new words that belong to the Spanish slang of Spain.

So, if you want to immerse yourself in the culture and language in Spain, knowing these expressions and words is essential to understand and participate in informal conversations.