Mexican Slang: Essential Expressions from Mexico

Mexican slang makes you sound like a local, not a tourist. But use it wrong and you'll stick out. Here's the essential Mexican slang that's safe, useful, and will make you sound natural in Mexico.

Must-Know Mexican Slang

Essential Expressions

• ¡Qué padre! — Cool!/Awesome! (very common)
• ¡Qué chido! — Very cool (casual, among friends)
• ¡Órale! — Wow!/Okay!/Really? (extremely versatile, context-dependent)
• ¡Ándale! — Come on!/Hurry up!/Okay!

Common Words

• güey — dude/guy (very casual, friends only, extremely common)
• chido/chida — cool/awesome (casual)
• fresa — preppy/snobby (person)
• naco — tacky/low-class (can be offensive, use carefully)

Greetings & Farewells

• ¿Qué onda? — What's up? (very common)
• ¿Qué tal? — How's it going?
• Nos vemos — See you later (casual)
• Hasta luego — See you later

Food & Drink Slang

• ¡Qué rico! — How delicious!/How good!
• Echarse un taco — To have a taco (casual)
• Echarse una chela — To have a beer (very casual)

Expressions You'll Hear Daily

Agreement/Approval

• ¡Está padre! — That's cool!
• ¡Sí está chido! — Yeah, that's cool!
• De acuerdo — Agreed (but "está bien" more common)

Surprise/Exclamation

• ¡No manches! — No way!/Come on! (very common)
• ¡Órale! — Wow!/Really? (extremely versatile)
• ¡Qué onda! — What?! (surprise)

When to Use Mexican Slang

✅ Safe contexts:

• Friends and peers
• Casual conversations
• Young adults
• Informal settings

❌ Avoid slang:

• Formal situations (work, business)
• Talking to elders or authorities
• Academic/professional settings
• First meetings (wait to gauge formality)

Common Mistakes

• Using "güey" in formal situations → Very inappropriate
• Being too casual with strangers → Can seem disrespectful
• Mixing Mexican slang in other countries → Sounds odd

Regional Note

Mexican slang varies by region within Mexico. What's common in Mexico City might differ from northern or southern regions. When in doubt, listen first.

Learn Mexican Slang Naturally

The best way to learn Mexican slang isn't lists—it's hearing it in real conversations. Chat with native Mexican speakers, pick up expressions in context, and learn when each feels appropriate.

Make It Natural

Want to sound like a local in Mexico? Practice Mexican slang in casual conversations, learn regional variations naturally, and pick up the right expressions for the right moments. Try Parlai and chat with native speakers while learning slang in context.