24 Spanish Slang Words Commonly Used by Native Speakers (2023)

To sound like a fluent Spanish speaker, you need to masterspanish verbs, a huge Spanish vocabulary and, believe it or not, a little bit of slang!

Although they don't always teach the full range of slang termsSpanish lessonsand schools, slang and phrases are an integral part of social interactions and are often used in conversations between friends.

You might feel a little awkward among native speakers when you're getting used to Spanish slang, butDo not worry!

With this list of commonly used Spanish slang words and phrases, you'll soon be able to understand some of the craziest slang expressions, phrases and terms used by the locals.

Why is Spanish slang important and when should it be used?

Spanish slang is important for several reasons.

Using specific phrases will not only help you sound like a native Spanish speaker, but you will also be able to completely do it.to divein informal conversations and understand the more subtle and nuanced meanings of conversations between friends.

because, just likegreetings in spanishSince context is crucial and determines how you should talk to others, you should always know who you're talking to and who else might be present when you use Spanish slang.

After all, you wouldn't use the word "friend" to refer to your boss or your in-laws, would you? 😊

A good friend may use a variety of slang words when talking to you because they know you. you and sheTio/Many(good friend/partner in this context), and the context is informal. They know you will fully understand their intended meaning because they have known you for a long time.

Native speakers reserve their Spanish slang for the right conversations and the right people, and so should you.

Now you know why slang words in Spanish are important. Here's our list of Spanish words, phrases, and slang that you'll commonly hear spoken by native Spanish speakers.

Just look -What have you been listening to lately?

Slang phrases in Spanish with negative connotations (and insults)

Sometimes you need slang that has a negative meaning or that expresses how upset you feel about something. These are some ofColloquial words and phrases in SpanishThey have a negative connotation.

They can help you vent your frustration, but always remember the context in which you use them!

be elegant / be elegant(be a brat/be spoiled)

Spaniards use this slang to refer to a "soft", "snobbish" person who may have inherited a lot of money and made a fortune without working hard. Be careful when using this slang!

In some Spanish-speaking countriesan elegantcan mean "penis". 🤣

Application example:

be in bad shape(be stingy)

spanish slangin bad conditionrefers to someone who is said to never have money.

They are "stingy" when it comes to paying the bill, so you can bet a person isin bad conditionhe will never offer to buy you a round of drinks.

Application example:

Shit(shit, shit)

This colloquial term is also aQuicklyocursing, which have different meanings. Often exclaimed when someone wants to express anger or disapproval,ShitIt's a word you'll hear a lot in Spanish movies.

When your friend says this, you know he is irritated, upset, or angry.

Application example:

it's gossip(he/she is a busybody, a snooper)

This Spanish slang is an epithet used to describe someone who gossips a lot or knows too much about other people's lives.

If you are in Spain you probably have oneNeighbor(neighbor) which is a typicalgossip.

Application example:

Gee Gee(Damn you)

We use Spanish slangWow, which is the abbreviation ofDamn you, when we are shocked, upset or horrified by something unfair that may have happened.

If someone is constantly annoying or demanding and makes you feel frustrated, you can use that term to express how upset you are.

Application example:

be on the moon(absent)

While this Spanish slang word literally means "being over the moon", we use it to describe someone who is figuratively a million miles away or "distracted".

If you areSeconds, it means that you are not focused or concentrated at the moment.

Application example:

abandonment(give up / give up)

This Spanish slang may be reminiscent of the English phrase "throw in the towel" as a Spanish noun.Hand toweltranslates as "towel".

As the expression in English, it means that you plan to give up a difficult task or admit that you have been defeated by an impossible challenge.

Application example:

dislike/like in bold(he/she annoys me)

We use this expression in Spanish to describe someone who has given you a bad impression of yourself or to refer to someone who annoys you.

A fraseI do not likeit also conveys this meaning and can also refer to that bad feeling or intuition that a person has given you.

Application example:

Slang Phrases in Spanish with a Positive Connotation

There are so many occasions when you need to express your respect for someone, address your group of friends with a positive or inclusive phrase, or use an expression that shows how much you admire them.

Check out these Spanish slang words that mean positivity or admiration.

be cute/be cute/you're so cute(be adorable, sweet)

Don't let this Spanish slang confuse you - whileinfectious mononucleosistranslates as "monkey" when used with the verbto beits meaning changes.

We use the colloquial adjectivebe sweet/monarefer to someone who is cute or adorable.

Application example:

legal legal(Fresco)

This common Spanish word can be heard all over Spain! It is used similarly to the expressionHow nice, something described with the wordmolar toothis "awesome" or "cool".

Application example:

Chico(Fresco)

Chicois another Spanish slang term for great. As young people use it so often, you'll hear it all over Spain.

like the wordMola, is a common word that can be used to complement a situation or to express admiration for someone for being so awesome.

Application example:

Uncle aunt(doubt boy girl)

In Spain you will hear young people refer to their friendsTio/Manyall the time.

a directtranslationI would give you the word "uncle" or "aunt", but among friends it means "uncle" or "dude".

Application example:

boy/lady/men(People)

This Spanish slang has many meanings. The phrasebe a childrefers to someone young in attitude.

It has connotations of inexperienced or naive, but is also a slang term used between friends, meaning "guy" or "guys".

Application example:

how legal/legal(how legal, how elegant)

When something is described as suchpimp/chula, we mean that the object is cool, fancy, or awesome.

It's a compliment, so you can use this slang to express how much you love your friend's new iPhone or car.

Application example:

Dig my elbows / I'll dig my elbows(learn a lot)

Did you stay up all night before an important exam? The Spanish Slang You Need to Pass On Is Just Thatbend your elbows.

It means "study hard" and may be reminiscent of the English phrases "put elbow grease" or "roll up your sleeves" becauseelbowThey are your elbows in English.

Application example:

and milk(it's great/unbelievable)

It's easy to get confused by the many Spanish terms that include the wordleiteor milk. A person might be in a bad mood, in which case you could sayIt's bad milk.But in this context, the colloquial termand milkrefers to how amazing something is.

That really great book you finished reading last week - if it was amazing and spoke to you, you might describe it asleite.

Application example:

Spanish slang words for astonishment, shock or disgust

If something has stunned you and you don't know how to express your feelings, these slang words in Spanish can perfectly describe the situation.

Take a look at these slang words native Spanish speakers often use when there just aren't any ideal words.

invited guests(wow, no way!)

although the wordguestsis literally the Spanish term for the Host that is given to you during Communion, it also means "My God!" and is commonly used to express utter shock or surprise caused by something or someone.

Application example:

oysters(Oh my God!)

If you're looking for a way to express your shock and surprise in a "non-blasphemous" way, Spanish slang isoystersit's an option

It's the same as callingguests, and conveys the same meaning, but is a phrase normally used to avoid saying "oh my god".

Application example:

Drive me crazy/You're going to drive me crazy(Go crazy, go crazy)

get scaredis a Spanish slang expression that expresses shock or amazement. It means "to go crazy" and can be used in many contexts. Perhaps you found out that someone was having an affair.

Or maybe someone you know has suddenly inherited a fortune...

The phrase you will need when telling someone about this shocking news isyou will be scared.

Application example:

be like a goat(he/she is crazy)

Although this slang word literally translates into English as 'to be like a goat', in Spain we use this phrase to refer to or describe someone who is completely crazy or behaves in a strange or silly way.

Application example:

Other commonly used Spanish slang

The world of Spanish slang is vast and diverse. There are so many slang words that Spaniards use on a daily basis.

We've just scratched the surface! Here are a few more that might interest you.

must tag/pirate(I'm leaving)

The full sentence that Spanish speakers sometimes use isI will become a vampire. It's fun slang, similar to "see you later, alligator".

The verbto go outmeans "to go", so if you want to decline an invitation from your friends for a drink later, you can saysorry i left

Application example:

irritate(pull someone's leg/get on top)

The literal translation ofirritatewould be "pulling my hair", but this slang is used when someone makes fun of you.

Application example:

it's a disaster(it's a mess/broken)

We use the colloquial termit's a disasterif we made a mistake or did something wrong.

An example of this might be when someone is having an affair, which we would describe with the verbto connect. if there is somethinga disasterwe think it's a disaster.

Application example:

Difficult/I have no difficulties(no money, broke)

To stopis Spanish slang meaning "money". If you don't have one, you can sayI don't have any difficulty

Application example:

How can you sound like a local using Spanish slang?

The key to sounding like a local:and avoid using the wrong spanish slang– it's not just about looking at lists and examples, but listening to native speakers and hearing slang used in context.

When in doubt, think about how your interlocutor addresses you and analyze your way of speaking.

By listening and remembering the phrases they use, you will soon be able to use them.

Every human being is unique. You may not be using them.Exactlythe same spanish slang your friends use at every opportunity. However, a good knowledge of these common terms is important as it will improve your understanding.

There are also some excellent ones.Spanish lessonsYFormswhich discuss colloquial terms in more detail.

Did I forget some Spanish slang?

Comment below!