Hablaaa - Spanish Slang Dictionary
Un huevo
A lot, a ton, or an exaggerated amount in Spain. Saying "me costó un huevo" means it was extremely expensive or difficult — one of the most-used Spanish expressions for emphasizing anything.
Cotizar
To be attractive, popular, or in high demand. In Mexico and Chile, when someone "cotiza," it means they are desired by many people, whether for their looks, charm, or social status. Think of it as the Spanish slang equivalent of saying someone is "hot property" or "in demand." If someone tells you "andas bien cotizado," take it as a compliment because everyone wants your attention.
Chamo
The quintessential Venezuelan word for friend, buddy, or dude. It's to Venezuelans what "güey" is to Mexicans — you'll hear it in almost every sentence. Used affectionately between friends of any gender.
Caguama
A large beer bottle (usually one liter) that's shared among friends on the sidewalk in Mexico. The caguama is the people's beer — cheap, generous, and social. Named after the sea turtle, it's an icon of Mexican street culture.
Estacionamiento
A parking lot or space designated for leaving your car in Mexico, whether a multi-story building, an open lot, or a street spot. Finding parking in Mexico City is an extreme sport requiring zen-level patience.
Tonear
To go out partying and drinking, usually until the early hours of the morning. In Peru, this is the favorite weekend verb when plans involve music, drinks, and zero responsibilities. If someone asks you "¿Vamos a tonear?", they are inviting you to a night out where the only goal is to have a great time and worry about the consequences tomorrow.
Panchero
A drama queen — someone who makes a huge scene over the smallest things. In Mexico and Argentina, a panchero turns a glass of water into a tsunami. They exaggerate everything and love being the center of attention during any conflict.
Pata
A close friend or buddy in Peru. It's the Peruvian version of "bro" — used between people who genuinely trust each other. You'd call your childhood friend or your ride-or-die crew your "patas."
Chavala
A young girl or woman in Spain, one of the most classic and everyday words in Spanish vocabulary. It is the casual, natural way to refer to any young woman, whether she is a friend, a classmate, or a stranger on the street. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of "girl" or "chick" but without any negative connotation. You will hear it constantly in everyday conversations across Spain.
Ni ahí
Total indifference — not caring at all about something or someone in Chile. When you're "ni ahí," you couldn't care less. It's maximum apathy: you don't know, don't care, and aren't going to start now.
Un huevo
A lot, a ton, or an exaggerated amount in Spain. Saying "me costó un huevo" means it was extremely expensive or difficult — one of the most-used Spanish expressions for emphasizing anything.
Cotizar
To be attractive, popular, or in high demand. In Mexico and Chile, when someone "cotiza," it means they are desired by many people, whether for their looks, charm, or social status. Think of it as the Spanish slang equivalent of saying someone is "hot property" or "in demand." If someone tells you "andas bien cotizado," take it as a compliment because everyone wants your attention.
Chamo
The quintessential Venezuelan word for friend, buddy, or dude. It's to Venezuelans what "güey" is to Mexicans — you'll hear it in almost every sentence. Used affectionately between friends of any gender.
Caguama
A large beer bottle (usually one liter) that's shared among friends on the sidewalk in Mexico. The caguama is the people's beer — cheap, generous, and social. Named after the sea turtle, it's an icon of Mexican street culture.
Estacionamiento
A parking lot or space designated for leaving your car in Mexico, whether a multi-story building, an open lot, or a street spot. Finding parking in Mexico City is an extreme sport requiring zen-level patience.
Tonear
To go out partying and drinking, usually until the early hours of the morning. In Peru, this is the favorite weekend verb when plans involve music, drinks, and zero responsibilities. If someone asks you "¿Vamos a tonear?", they are inviting you to a night out where the only goal is to have a great time and worry about the consequences tomorrow.
Panchero
A drama queen — someone who makes a huge scene over the smallest things. In Mexico and Argentina, a panchero turns a glass of water into a tsunami. They exaggerate everything and love being the center of attention during any conflict.
Pata
A close friend or buddy in Peru. It's the Peruvian version of "bro" — used between people who genuinely trust each other. You'd call your childhood friend or your ride-or-die crew your "patas."
Chavala
A young girl or woman in Spain, one of the most classic and everyday words in Spanish vocabulary. It is the casual, natural way to refer to any young woman, whether she is a friend, a classmate, or a stranger on the street. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of "girl" or "chick" but without any negative connotation. You will hear it constantly in everyday conversations across Spain.
Ni ahí
Total indifference — not caring at all about something or someone in Chile. When you're "ni ahí," you couldn't care less. It's maximum apathy: you don't know, don't care, and aren't going to start now.
Andar pedo
To be drunk, going through life in a noticeable state of intoxication in Mexico. It's the most direct, no-nonsense way to say someone drank too much and it shows in their face, walk, and everything they say.