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
Urban/Street slang words used in Mexico City
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- 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
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- 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