Essential Spanish Slang to Make Your Trip More Fun

¡Hola, amigos!

Ever found yourself scratching your head when someone drops a Spanish slang term you've never heard?

Don't worry, we've all been there. Slang is the secret sauce that makes a language come alive, adding flavour and flair to everyday conversations.

Whether you're planning a trip to Spain or want to sound more like a local, mastering these colloquial expressions can be a game-changer.

Let's dive into some of the most common Spanish slang words that'll have you chatting like a native in no time.

P.S. If you don't believe me, here's Antonio Banderas to cover a few of them!

Watch Antonio Banderas explain Spanish slang

Guay

The ultimate Spanish word for "cool". You can use it for anything: people, places, food, even ideas. If something's good, it's guay. Example: "Ese coche es muy guay." (That car is really cool.)

Vale

Spain's version of "okay". You'll hear it constantly, often repeated: "Vale, vale, vale!" Spaniards use it for agreement or confirmation without much enthusiasm. Example: "Nos vemos a las ocho, ¿vale?" (See you at eight, okay?)

Qué fuerte

It literally means "how strong", but Spaniards use it for anything shocking, unfair, or unbelievable. Example: "¡Qué fuerte que no te lo hayan dicho!" (It's unbelievable they didn't tell you!)

Chulo

Tricky one! It can mean "cool" (Ese coche es chulo – That car is cool) but also cocky/arrogant (Ese tío es muy chulo – That guy is full of himself). Context matters! Example: "Ese reloj es muy chulo." (That watch is really cool.)

Es la leche

"It's the milk" sounds odd, but in Spain, it means something is amazing! A wild party? La leche. A fantastic concert? También la leche. Example: "La fiesta anoche fue la leche." (The party last night was amazing.)

¡Qué mono!

Used to describe anything adorable, such as babies, dogs, or outfits. Literally means "monkey", but don't worry, no monkeys are involved. Example: "¡Qué mono es tu perro!" (Your dog is so cute!)

Cutre

The go-to word for cheap, run-down, or sketchy things. A terrible hotel? Cutre. A bad haircut? Super cutre. Example: "Ese bar es bastante cutre." (That bar is quite shabby.)

Puente

Not just a bridge! In Spain, it refers to a long weekend created when a holiday falls close to the weekend. Example: "Aprovechemos el puente para ir de viaje." (Let's take advantage of the long weekend to travel.)

Currar

Spain's casual way to say "to work". If someone says "Tengo que currar", they're probably not happy about it. Example: "Tengo que currar mañana temprano." (I have to work early tomorrow.)

Quedar

Not just "to stay". In Spain, this means "to meet up" with someone. Example: "¿Quedamos en el café a las seis?" (Shall we meet at the café at six?)

Watch more Spanish slang examples

Tapeo / Terraceo

Eating tapas (small dishes) or drinking outdoors on a terrace. A major part of Spanish culture. Example: "Me encanta el tapeo los fines de semana." (I love going for tapas on weekends.)

Botellón

A huge pre-game where people drink in public before going out. It's cheaper than bars, but cities are cracking down on it. Example: "Hicimos un botellón antes de entrar a la discoteca." (We drank in the park before going to the club.)

A gustito

That super cosy, comfortable feeling, like being wrapped in a blanket with coffee on a cold day. Example: "Estoy a gustito en este sofá." (I'm so comfy on this sofa.)

Tardeo

Spain's way of day drinking. Why wait for nighttime? Spaniards love afternoon beers with friends, and it's way more chill than clubbing. Example: "El tardeo en el centro es muy popular." (Afternoon outings in the city centre are very popular.)

Liarse

It can mean "to hook up" or "to get tangled up in something." Example: "Se liaron en la fiesta." (They hooked up at the party.)

Colegueo

The fun, easygoing camaraderie between friends or co-workers. Example: "Hay buen colegueo en la oficina." (There's good camaraderie in the office.)

Tío/Tía

Literally means uncle or aunt, but actually means "dude" or "girl". Example: "Ese tío es muy simpático." (That dude is super nice.)

Majo

The perfect Spanish compliment for someone who is friendly, warm, and all-around nice. Example: "Tu hermana es muy maja." (Your sister is very nice.)

Guiri

What Spaniards call foreigners, especially tourists. Sunburn, flip-flops, and a map? Total guiri vibes. Example: "Ese bar está lleno de guiris." (That bar is full of foreigners.)

Churri

A cutesy, playful word for your boyfriend/girlfriend. Equivalent to "babe" or "honey". Example: "Voy al cine con mi churri." (I'm going to the cinema with my sweetheart.)

Guarro

It means dirty or disgusting, both literally and figuratively. Example: "Limpia tu habitación; está muy guarra." (Clean your room; it's very dirty.)

Cañero

Used for anything intense and full of energy. Example: "La música en ese club es muy cañera." (The music in that club is very lively.)

Pijo

Someone posh, snobby, or rich. Think preppy kids in expensive brands. Example: "No me gusta ese barrio; es demasiado pijo." (I don't like that neighbourhood; it's too posh.)

Flipar

To be amazed or shocked. Example: "Vas a flipar cuando veas la película." (You're going to be amazed when you see the movie.)

Cabrear

A mildly aggressive way to say "to get angry". Example: "Me cabrea cuando la gente llega tarde." (It makes me angry when people are late.)

Joder

The ultimate Spanish curse word. Can mean damn, f-word, or just general frustration. Example: "¡Joder! Se me ha olvidado las llaves." (Damn! I forgot the keys.)

Ir a tu/su bola

To do your own thing without caring what others think. Example: "Siempre va a su bola y no escucha a nadie." (He always does his own thing and doesn't listen to anyone.)

Mala pata

Bad luck. Example: "Tuvo mala pata en el examen." (He had bad luck in the exam.)

Me sabe mal

A polite way to say "I feel bad about it" or "I feel guilty." Example: "Me sabe mal que no puedas venir." (I feel bad that you can't come.)

Pavo / Pavos

"Pavo" means turkey, but in Spain, it's also slang for euros. Example: "Eso cuesta veinte pavos." (That costs 20 euros.)

Talk Like a Local & Ditch the Textbook Spanish

So, there you have it. Your all-access pass to sounding like a true Spanish-speaking pro.

These slang words will get you closer to sounding less like a tourist and more like a coleguita (buddy).

From calling your bestie tío to telling someone their outfit is chulo, you're now armed with the kind of street-smart Spanish they don't teach in classrooms. Just don't go calling everyone pijo unless you want to start some mala pata (bad luck)!

Now go forth and flipar your Spanish-speaking friends with your guay new vocab. And remember: if in doubt, just throw in a vale and nod confidently. You'll blend right in!

Planning your trip? Check out our guide to planning the perfect Spanish itinerary. And don't miss the essential travel apps for Spain before you go. For the best time to use your new vocab, see best time to visit Spain.