Spanish slang is a fascinating and constantly evolving aspect of the Spanish language. It is a collection of informal words, expressions, and phrases that are commonly used in various Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish Slang in Mérida is often playful, colorful, and full of cultural references. This makes it an essential part of understanding the language and its diverse communities.
Brush up on some Spanish slang before you go to Mérida. A vibrant city, locals often use unique phrases and terms that can be confusing to outsiders. To help you out, explore some of the most common and interesting examples of Spanish slang in Mérida. From ¡Órale! to No manches, speak Spanish Slang Phrases in Mérida like a local in no time!
Most Common Spanish Slang in Mérida
¡Órale!
An expression of excitement, this word means right on, cool, or to indicate surprise.
¡Órale! Did you see the score of the soccer match?
Buena onda
Literally translated as “good wave”, it’s used to indicate good vibes of a person.
“She is muy buena onda.”
¿Qué onda?
Translated as “What wave?”, this is how you ask “What’s up?” It’s typically followed by a term of familiar endearment (see below).
¿Qué onda carnal? Meaning what’s up my friend?
Carnal
Slang for “friend”, carnal comes from the word “carne” (meat). But, also means of the same blood, family or relative.
Pedo
Fart is the literal translation of this word. This word is generally used with qué to say “What’s up?” meaning “what fart” which makes no sense at all. But, makes me laugh hysterically nonetheless.
Hey carnal, ¿Qué pedo?
¿Mande?
While technically not slang, you need to know this word used in place of ¿Qué? or ¿Cómo? It’s a more respectful word to use.
Angel, did you hear what I said? Angel responds, ¿Mande?
¿Neta?
With no literal translation, this word is used in place of “Really?” as a response.
The beer at the new cantina is really, really good! Your friend responds, ¿Neta?
¡Qué padre! or Padrisimo
“How father!” is the literal translation which doesn’t make any sense. Likewise, use padrisimo in the same way meaning cool or awesome as a reponse or an adjective.
Our trip to Oaxaca was padrisimo. Your friend responds, ¡Qué padre!
Chingon
Another word that has no literal translation but is interchanged with ¡Qué padre! or padrisimo. It is also used to describe someone (male is chingon, female is chingona) that is a bad ass.
In business, she is a chingona.
Chido
Another word for cool or awesome. It’s used alone, with qué as a response, or as an adjective.
We had a fun day at the zoo. ¡Qué chido!
Wow, that car was super chido!
Va que Va / Sale Vale
“It’s going, it’s going” is the literal translation of va que va. While the literal translation of sale vale is “comes out ok” (which doesn’t make sense). These two terms are interchangeable.
Your friend says, “I’ll meet you at the park later on.” You reply va que va or sale vale.
Ahorita
This is a cute way to say ahora, meaning “now”. Adding “ita” means right now.
I would like a marquesita ahorita, por favor.
Chela
Yes, cerveza is beer. But, chela is used more often especially on advertising as it is illegal to advertise beer or cerveza.
Happy hour at El Cardenal on Sundays is 2 for 1 chelas.
Crudo or Cruda
Meaning “raw”, this is a word to describe a hangover. Crudo is the masculine, cruda is the feminine.
I woke up very cruda.
Fresa
While strawberry is the liternal translation, this word means someone who is priveleged (usually a millenial).
The kids in the restaurant today are fresas.
A Toda Madre
Meaning “all mother”, use this phrase for a super cool situation or person.
Jesse is a toda madre with his new business program.
Da tu tanda
“Give your batch” is the literal translation which has no sense. Use this phrase when asking your server to bring another round of drinks to your table.
Your server asks, “Would you like anything else?” You respond, “Da tu tanda.”
Dame chance
Meaning give me a chance or give me a break, say this phrase when you need more time with something.
Dame chance to bring you a copy of my keys to get into the house.
¡No manches! or ¡A poco!
While these two phrases are essentially one in the same. ¡No manches! means “don’t stain” and ¡A poco! means a little.
¡No manches! I can’t believe there are so many people in the city right now. ¡A poco!
Viene Viene
Meaning “come, come”, this guy helps you in grocery store or other parking lots.