This slang phrase is used by Spaniards when referring to a ‘posh’, ‘snobby’ person who might have inherited a lot of money and gained their wealth without working very hard. They might help you vent your frustration, but always consider the context in which you use them! Ser un pijo/ser una pija (to be a brat/spoiled) These are some of the common colloquial Spanish words and phrases that have a negative connotation behind them. Sometimes you’ll need a slang word that conveys a negative meaning, or to express how annoyed something has made you feel. Take a look - which ones have you heard recently? Spanish slang phrases that have negative connotations (and insults) Now you know why Spanish slang is important, here is our list of Spanish slang words, phrases and colloquial expressions that you’ll frequently hear from native Spanish speakers. Native speakers reserve their Spanish slang for the right conversations and the right people, and that’s exactly what you should do as well. They know that you’ll completely understand their intended meaning because they’ve known you for a very long time. You’re their tío/ tía (in this context, good friend/dude), and the context is informal. Not only does using certain phrases help you sound like a native Spanish speaker, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in informal dialogues and understand the more subtle, nuanced meanings of conversations between friends.īecause, just like Spanish greetings, context is key and dictates how you should speak with others, you should always be aware of who you are speaking to and who else might be present when using Spanish slang.Īfter all, you wouldn’t address your boss or in-laws with the word ‘mate’, would you? 😊Ī good friend might use a range of slang terms when they speak to you because they are familiar with you. Spanish slang is important for various reasons. Why is Spanish slang important and when should it be used?

With this list of commonly used Spanish slang words and phrases you’ll soon be able to catch some of the quirkier expressions, slang phrases and colloquialisms that are used by the natives.

You might therefore be feeling a bit like an outsider among native speakers if you’re just getting used to Spanish slang, but ¡no te preocupes! Sounding like a fluent Spanish speaker requires a mastery of Spanish verbs, a wide Spanish vocabulary and, believe it or not, a little bit of slang!Īlthough they don’t always teach you the full range of colloquial terms in Spanish classes and schools, slang words and phrases are a staple of social interactions and are used abundantly in conversations between friends.

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