Mexican Words of the Day. Words used in Mexico City — one set used by people from more urban, informal, or “street” backgrounds (like chilangas, ñeras, nacas, chairas), and the other set used by people associated with a more affluent or refined style (fresas, fifís).
“Dime como hablas y te diré de donde eres”
Street Mexican Words of the Day
“Street” backgrounds refer to the cultural and social experiences of individuals who grow up or spend much of their time in urban areas, often in working-class or economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. These backgrounds are associated with life in densely populated cities, where people navigate various social, economic, and cultural dynamics that are unique to urban environments.
Urban/Street slang words used in Mexico City
- Chido – Cool, awesome
- Chale – Damn, bummer
- Carnal – Bro, dude (close friend)
- Chamba – Job, work
- Güey (or wey) – Dude, bro, guy (or can be used as “idiot” depending on tone)
- Neta – The truth, for real
- Chafa – Cheap, low-quality
- Fresa – Snob, preppy
- Chingón – Badass, awesome
- Pedo – Problem (or drunk, depending on context)
- Cámara – Alright, okay
- Teporocho – Drunkard, someone who drinks a lot (often cheap alcohol)
- Pachanga – Party
- Pendejo – Idiot, fool (sometimes affectionate between friends)
- Naco – Tacky, vulgar (used in a derogatory way)
- Chilango – Person from Mexico City (can be used positively or negatively)
- Gacho – Lame, bad
- Chilango come tortas – A stereotype about people from Mexico City who eat sandwiches anywhere
- Mamey – Muscular, ripped
- Changarrito – Small business (often informal or street vendor)
- Ñero – Streetwise, tough (sometimes derogatory)
- Chingarle – To work hard
- Chido one – Super cool
- Simón – Yup, sure (slang for “yes”)
- Morra/Morro – Girl/Boy (informal for young person)
- Cotorrear – To hang out, chat casually
- Vato – Dude, guy (informal)
- Vivi – Freeloader, someone who doesn’t work or study
- Aguas – Watch out!
- Chupar – To drink alcohol
- Cáele – Come over
- Bajarle de huevos – Calm down
- Me late – I like it
- Chinga – Damn! (frustration)
- Estar bien loco/a – To be really crazy or wild
- De pelos – Super cool, awesome
- Machín – To go hard, do something intensely
- Tirar paro – Give a hand, help out
- Chaca – Tough-looking, streetwise person
- Valer madre – To not matter or to mess up badly
- Ponte al tiro – Be on the lookout, stay sharp
- Rajarse – To chicken out, back down
- Tirar rostro – To show off
- Te clavas – You’re overthinking it, obsessing
- El que no tranza no avanza – “If you don’t cheat, you don’t succeed” (reflecting street smarts)
Upper-class Mexican Words of the Day
An affluent or refined style background refers to the cultural, social, and economic experiences of individuals who come from wealthier, upper-class, or highly-educated environments. People with this background are often associated with luxury, sophistication, and a more polished, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Refined/Upper-class slang words used in Mexico City
- O sea – Like (used to emphasize)
- Súper – Super (used to intensify)
- Obvi – Obviously
- Divino – Divine, gorgeous
- Xoxo – Kisses and hugs (commonly used in written form)
- Top – The best, top-notch
- Cañón – Intense, unbelievable
- Literal – Literally
- O sea, hello – Like, duh! (to point out the obvious)
- Super cool – Very cool
- Ultra – Extremely
- Chic – Stylish, trendy
- Random – Random, out of place
- Cute – Cute, adorable
- Cringe – Embarrassing, awkward
- Nice – Nice, pleasant
- Fashionista – Someone who follows fashion trends
- Coolhunter – Someone who scouts new trends
- On point – Perfect, spot on
- Fancy – Fancy, elegant
- OMG – Oh my God (expressing surprise)
- Mood – Vibe, the emotional tone of something
- Boujee – Luxurious, high-end
- Lover – Someone who loves something, like “coffee lover”
- Goals – Aspirational (someone or something to look up to)
- Millennial – Used to refer to a specific generation’s issues or traits
- Influencer – Someone with social media influence
- Soñé – Dreamlike, perfect
- Brunch – A meal between breakfast and lunch
- Glamping – Glamorous camping
- Spa day – A day dedicated to relaxation at a spa
- Fit – In good shape, physically fit
- Detox – Detoxifying cleanse, or taking a break from something (like social media)
- Tight – Close, having a strong bond with someone
- Minimalista – Minimalist, focusing on simplicity
- Qué oso – How embarrassing, cringe-worthy
- Me urge – I urgently need it
- Es lo máximo – It’s the best
- Full – Full, completely booked
- Irreal – Unreal, amazing
- Obvio – Obviously
- Quiero todo – I want everything
- Literalmente – Literally
- Intenso/a – Intense (used for someone who exaggerates)
- Monísimo – Super cute
- Pet friendly – A place that allows pets
- Vibes – Good energy or atmosphere



