If you’re learning Spanish, textbooks might teach you to say “¿Cómo estás?” but step onto the streets of Madrid and you’re more likely to hear “¿Qué pasa, tío?” Spanish slang (jerga) brings the language to life, turning textbook Spanish into authentic communication.
Essential Spanish Slang You’ll Hear Everywhere
- Greetings and Responses
- “¿Qué pasa?” / “¿Qué tal?” – More casual than “¿Cómo estás?”
- “Vale” – The Swiss Army knife of Spanish words, meaning “okay,” “sure,” or “got it”
- “Venga” – Used to say “come on,” “let’s go,” or to show agreement
- “Vaya” – Expressing surprise or disappointment, similar to “wow” or “oh man”
- Terms of Address
- “Tío/Tía” – Literally “uncle/aunt” but used like “dude” or “girl”
- “Chaval/Chavala” – “Guy/girl,” often used for younger people
- “Colega” – “Buddy” or “mate”
- “Peña” – “People” or “crowd”
- Expressions of Quality
- “Guay” – “Cool” or “awesome”
- “Molar” – “To be cool” (Este restaurante mola – This restaurant is cool)
- “Chungo” – “Bad,” “difficult,” or “sketchy”
- “De puta madre” – Despite its literal meaning, it’s used to say “awesome” or “fantastic”
- “Flipar” – “To be amazed” or “to not believe it”
- Modern Spanish Slang in Digital Communication
- “XD” – Written expression of laughter
- “Tk” – Short for “te quiero” (I love you)
- “NPI” – “Ni puñetera idea” (No bloody idea)
Regional Variations
- Madrid Slang
- “Dabuti” – “Great” or “excellent”
- “Majete” – “Nice person”
- “Currar” – “To work”
- Barcelona Slang
- “Pillar” – “To get” or “to understand”
- “Pasta” – “Money”
- “Guiri” – Tourist (especially from Northern Europe)
- Andalusian Slang
- “Quillo” – Short for “chiquillo,” used like “mate”
- “Malaje” – An unpleasant person
- “Papeo” – Food
Modern Expressions You’ll Actually Use
- “Me da igual” – “I don’t care” or “whatever”
- “Ni de coña” – “No way!”
- “¿Qué fuerte?” – “How intense!” or “That’s crazy!”
- “En plan” – Similar to “like” in English (used as a filler)
- “Estar hasta el gorro” – To be fed up (literally “to be up to the hat”)
Red Flags: Slang to Use Carefully
Some Spanish slang can be quite strong or potentially offensive:
- “Joder” – Common expletive, use with caution
- “Hostia” – Literally refers to communion wafer, but used as an exclamation
- “Gilipollas” – “Idiot” or stronger
- “Leches” – Mild expletive, but context-dependent
Remember that Spanish slang is dynamic and ever-changing. What’s popular today might be outdated tomorrow, and new expressions emerge constantly through social media, pop culture, and youth culture.