Learning Spanish often involves looking up words in dictionaries and struggling to remember vocabulary terms. However, most books don’t cover slang like pendejo, meaning you’re only getting part of the language. When traveling abroad, knowing the vernacular can keep you from looking like a gullible tourist. Here are some of the most common words from the most popular Spanish-speaking countries to help you really look like a local! For those interested in expanding their opportunities, you can also check out the BetWinner APK تحميل for exciting betting options and rewards.
A Global Language
One of the most fascinating aspects of Spanish is how many people speak it natively around the world. Spanish is one of the fastest-growing languages and is quickly becoming a dominant force on the web as well. However, like many languages, there are regional differences that make learning slang somewhat difficult. In addition, the further a country is from the language’s birthplace, the more distinct it becomes.
While the pendejo meaning may be ubiquitous throughout Spanish dialects as referring to a stupid or foolish person, not every insult is as transferable. Just like telling a joke that originates in Argentina, your audience in Madrid may miss out on some important context and meaning. As such, a “universal” list of Spanish slang words doesn’t exist and is instead broken down by location.
Slang From in Spain
Spain is the home country of the Spanish language and has plenty of unique slang to prove it.
#1. Tío/Tía
Literally meaning “uncle” or “aunt,” the term is used somewhat differently in Spain. It is also akin to the English words “bro” or “dude,” a generic word for a person doing an incredulous task. More of an exclamation, someone may say “¡Qué tío!” to call someone an idiot, or conversely a hero. Unlike the meaning of pendejo, calling someone a tío in Spain may actually be a compliment!
#2. Joder
While the direct translation of the verb “joder” means to be annoying, it has a more flowery connotation in its country of origin. Instead of simply meaning “to cause a bother,” when said harshly it translates to the curse “sh**” or “f***” as an expletive. This is an important one to note since it illustrates how a poor word choice in the wrong country may cause accidental insult, not something you want to do when vacationing on foreign shores!
Slang from Puerto Rico
Those hailing from Puerto Rico tend to swap their r’s for l’s, making the dialect somewhat easy to hear.
#3. Al Garete
When a ship has gon “al garete,” it means that it is adrift or lost at sea. This ties in well with the modern-day slang of Puerto Rico where the term refers to a person who has lost control. Someone who is going crazy or has chosen the wrong path in life can be considered al garete.
#4. Nene/Nena
In most Spanish-speaking countries, the word describing a little boy or girl is niño/niña. Though the shortening of these terms isn’t unique to Puerto Rico, calling children nene or nena is so ubiquitous on the island that the traditional words are almost nonexistent. The words also extend as a term of endearment for loved ones.
Slang from Guatemala
The countries in Central America share a lot of language commonalities, such as treating the letter j as a breathy h. They have a wealth of unique slang as well.
#5. Cerote
Like many vulgar words, the term “cerote” translates directly to “excrement.” Also as in many languages, calling someone a cerote has a similar meaning to pendejo, thinking of them as a loser or a ne’er-do-well thanks to its derivation from the word “cero,” or zero. However, the modern Guatemalan may also be talking about a beloved friend as the word has also come to be a satirical honorific for best buds.
#6. Burra
Anyone who’s been in the American South knows that a burro is Spanish for Donkey. Instead of meaning pendejo as some might assume, this slang term isn’t talking about people at all. Instead, it derives its source from the reason why people used donkeys in the first place. If you were planning to hop on a burra and head downtown, you’ll need to make sure you can cath your bus!
Internet Slang
While there are many different ways for slang to mean pendejo, it doesn’t help if you aren’t talking face-to-face. Some Spanish slang translates over to the texting world as well. Important phrases to note include:
- gpi = Gracias, por invitar (Thanks for the invite)
- npn = No pasa nada (Don’t worry about it)
- fds = Fin de semana (Weekend)
- tqi/tki = Tengo que irme (I have to go)
- pq/px = ¿Por que? (Why?)
- xfa = Por favor (Please)
- mxo = Mucho (A lot)
Once you have a good understanding of local slang, you’ll be able to communicate much more effectively. Whether you’re going on vacation or relocating to search for new experiences, having access to the lingo will camouflage your non-native presence. With enough practice and the right use of slang, you’ll be mistaken for a local in no time at all!
