200 Spanish Slang Words from Around the World

Spanish is a vibrant language spoken across numerous countries, each adding its unique flavor to the lexicon. Slang words and phrases offer a window into the culture, humor, and daily life of Spanish-speaking communities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled 200 Spanish slang terms from various countries, complete with their English meanings. Whether you’re a language learner, traveler, or cultural enthusiast, this list will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the diverse Spanish-speaking world.

1. Mexican Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Güey	Dude/Bro	Commonly used among friends.
Chido	Cool/Awesome	Expresses approval.
Órale	Alright/Let’s go	Used to express encouragement or agreement.
Lana	Money	Informal term for cash.
Fresa	Snobby/Preppy	Describes someone who is superficial or conceited.
No manches	No way!/You’re kidding	Expresses surprise or disbelief.
Neta	For real?/Seriously?	Used to ask or confirm truth.
Chamba	Job	Informal term for employment.
Pedo	Problem/Drunk	Depending on context, can mean trouble or being drunk.
Carnal	Bro/Buddy	Used for close male friends.

2. Argentinian Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Che	Hey	Used to get someone’s attention.
Boludo	Dude/Idiot	Can be affectionate or insulting based on context.
Laburo	Job	Informal term for work.
Mina	Girl	Casual term for a young woman.
Guita	Money	Slang for cash.
Quilombo	Mess/Chaos	Describes a confusing or chaotic situation.
Chabón	Guy/Dude	Informal term for a man.
Pibe/Piba	Kid/Young person	Common way to refer to children or teens.
Piola	Cool/Chill	Something nice or easygoing.
Bancar	To support/put up with	Used for backing someone or tolerating something.

3. Spanish (Spain) Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Guay	Cool	Expresses that something is great.
Tío/Tía	Dude/Girl	Casual way to refer to someone.
Currar	To work	Informal verb for working.
Pasta	Money	Slang for cash.
Flipar	To freak out	Used when something is amazing or shocking.
Molar	To like	Expresses liking something.
Chaval	Kid	Refers to a child or teenager.
Joder	Damn	Used to express frustration or surprise.
Bocata	Sandwich	Informal word for a baguette sandwich.
Empanao	Clueless	Describes someone out of it or dazed.

4. Chilean Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Cachai	You get it?/You know?	Common ending to a sentence.
Pololo/Polola	Boyfriend/Girlfriend	Informal term for partner.
Luca	1000 pesos	Refers to Chilean currency.
Bacán	Awesome	Very common for saying something is cool.
Fome	Boring	Used to describe something dull.
Carrete	Party	A get-together or celebration.
Cuático	Intense/Crazy	Describes something over the top.
Al tiro	Right away	Used for immediacy.
Piola	Chill/Low-key	Used similarly as in Argentina.
Pega	Job	Informal word for work.

5. Peruvian Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Jato	House	Casual term for a home.
Pata	Friend	Similar to “dude” or “buddy.”
Plata	Money	Informal term for cash.
Chamba	Job	Common slang word for employment.
Chévere	Cool	Widely used in several countries.
Jamear	To eat	Similar to “grub” in English.
Chibolo/Chibola	Kid/Teen	Refers to a young person.
Broder	Brother/Friend	Comes from English “brother.”
Brichero	Gold digger	Someone who dates tourists for money.
Flaca	Girlfriend	Also used in other countries.

6. Venezuelan Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Chamo/Chama	Guy/Girl	Very common informal terms.
Pana	Friend	Like “bro” or “pal.”
Plata	Money	Shared with many Latin countries.
Burda	A lot	Used to emphasize quantity.
Arrechísimo	Amazing	Superlative of awesome.
Ladilla	Annoying	Describes irritating people/situations.
Bochinche	Racket/Commotion	Refers to a noisy mess.
Mamarracho	Ridiculous person	An insult for clowns or silly people.
Jeva	Girlfriend	Informal slang.
Echar los perros	To flirt	Literally “to throw the dogs.”

7. Cuban Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Asere	Friend	Equivalent to “dude” or “buddy.”
Qué bolá	What’s up?	Informal greeting.
Yuma	Foreigner	Typically refers to Americans.
Jamar	To eat	Very informal.
Guagua	Bus	Widely used in the Caribbean.
Pinchar	To work	Slang for working.
Chévere	Cool	Shared term across Latin America.
Temba	Older person	Sometimes used mockingly.
Fula	Dollar	Refers to U.S. currency.
Bicho	Guy (contextual)	Be cautious; has different meanings.

8. Colombian Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Parce	Friend	Used like “dude” or “buddy.”
Bacano	Cool	Means something is great.
Lucas	Money	1000 pesos.
Rumba	Party	Used for nightlife.
Guayabo	Hangover	After drinking.
Camellar	To work	From the word “camel.”
Chévere	Cool	Shared across many regions.
Jarto	Annoying	Irritating situation or person.
Vaina	Thing	A catch-all word.
Pelao	Kid	Young boy.

9. Dominican Republic Slang:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Jevo/Jeva	Boyfriend/Girlfriend	Romantic partner.
Vaina	Thing/Stuff	Used for anything.
Bacano	Awesome	Widely used in youth culture.
Tigre	Clever guy	Street-smart male.
Cuero	Prostitute	Can be very offensive.
Yipeta	SUV	Refers to a big car.
Tato	Okay	Means “all good.”
Dime a ver	What’s up?	Greeting.
Pana	Friend	Like buddy or bro.
Carajito	Kid	Young child.

10. Central American Slang:
(Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama)

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Country	Notes
Tico/Tica	Costa Rican person	Costa Rica	National nickname.
Chunche	Thingamajig	Costa Rica	Generic object.
Pisto	Money	El Salvador	Informal for cash.
Maje	Dude	Honduras	Informal.
Chivo	Cool	El Salvador	Means great or awesome.
Güirro	Kid	Honduras	Young person.
Diay	So?/What happened?	Costa Rica	Reaction word.
Jato	House	Panama	Similar to Peru.
Birria	Cheap alcohol	Central America	Low-quality drink.
Brete	Work	Costa Rica	Informal for job.

11. Common Slang Across Latin America:

Spanish Term	English Meaning	Notes
Chévere	Cool	Used in many countries.
Plata	Money	Shared slang term.
Jato	House	Appears in several places.
Chamba	Work	Universal slang.
Broder	Friend	Borrowed from English.
Bacán	Awesome	Found in Chile, Peru, Colombia.
Flaco/Flaca	Partner	Used in various places.
Pana	Friend	Very common across Latin America.
Vaina	Thing	Used from Colombia to DR.
Rumba	Party	Especially in Caribbean nations.

12. Words with Different Meanings in Different Countries:

Word	Country 1 Meaning	Country 2 Meaning
Bicho	Boy (Cuba)	Insect or vulgar (PR)
Pisto	Money (El Salvador)	Alcohol (Spain)
Chucho	Dog (Guatemala)	Cold (El Salvador)
Guagua	Bus (Cuba)	Baby (Chile)
Majo	Nice (Spain)	Clownish (Mexico)

Conclusion

Slang is dynamic, colorful, and an essential part of mastering a language. These 200 Spanish slang words are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to regional expressions. Whether you’re traveling, making new friends, or just trying to keep up with pop culture, understanding slang gives you deeper insight into the heart of Spanish-speaking communities. Stay tuned for more language tips, cultural guides, and regional breakdowns!

FAQ:
Q1: Are all slang terms appropriate to use?
A1: Not always. Some slang words can be offensive depending on the context and location. It’s important to know your audience.

Q2: Can the same word mean different things in different countries?
A2: Yes! For example, “guagua” means bus in Cuba but baby in Chile.

Q3: How can I learn when to use slang appropriately?
A3: Listening to native speakers, watching regional content, and asking locals can help you understand context.

Q4: Why is slang important to learn?
A4: Slang reflects local culture and helps you sound more natural when speaking a language.