Regional expressions and idioms: a voyage through the sayings of the Spanish-speaking world

Spanish is a language as diverse as the countries that speak it. Whether in Madrid, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, or Medellín, in every corner of the Spanish-speaking world, you’ll discover unique expressions that can make you laugh, confuse you, or even get you in trouble if you don’t understand them. These phrases and sayings reflect each community’s culture, humour, and history.

Some of these expressions are so amusing that, if taken literally, they seem absurd, while others showcase pure popular creativity. Join us on this journey through some of the most curious and entertaining idioms from Spanish-speaking countries. We’re sure that at least one will surprise you!

Spain: Between “flipar” and “estar en las nubes”

In Spain, colloquial expressions are an art form. When someone says they are “flipando,” it doesn’t mean they are doing somersaults; rather, it indicates they are astonished or surprised. It is also common to hear “Estar en las nubes” to describe someone distracted or absent-minded.

For instance, people from Madrid might exclaim “¡Vaya tela!” when something seems unbelievable to them, whereas in the south of the country, one often hears “¡Ojú!” as a sign of astonishment or weariness. And if a Spaniard tells you that “estás en la parra,” you’d best pay attention, as it means you are not listening to what they say.

Mexico: “Aguas,” “chido,” and “se me hace gacho”

In Mexico, Spanish is steeped in colourful expressions. One of the most well-known is “¡Aguas!”, which has nothing to do with the liquid but is instead a warning to be alert. If something is good or cool, it’s “Chido,” if someone says “se me hace gaucho,” it means that they find something ugly or unpleasant.

If a Mexican tells you “no manches,” they may be surprised or disagree with you, while “estar hasta las chanclas” indicates that someone has had too much to drink. And if you hear “me vale,” it means that the person doesn’t care at all what’s going on.

Argentina: “Un quilombo,” “posta,” and “che”

Rioplatense Spanish also has its repertoire of idioms. In Argentina, “quilombo” refers not to a dance, but to a severe chaos or problem. “Posta” is a way of stating that something is true, similar to “de verdad.” And if someone calls you “che,” they are simply getting your attention.

An Argentinean may say “me la banco” to indicate they can handle a difficult situation. If something “pinta bien,” it is because it has a good prognosis. And if you hear “un pibe,” they talk about a boy or young person.

Colombia: “Estar amañado,” “berraco,” and “vaina”

In Colombia, Spanish has a rhythm that is full of charming expressions. “Estar amañado” means to feel comfortable in a place, while “berraco” can refer to someone brave or, depending on the context, an angry person.

“Vaina” is a catch-all word for anything, whether positive or negative. People who say “me da mamera” express laziness or disinterest. And if you hear “parce,” it’s the Colombian version of “amigo” or “compadre.”

Chile: “Andar o estar pato”, “fome” and “cachar”

Chilean Spanish also has a unique flavour. “Andar pato” means to be broke, while “fome” describes something dull. If a Chilean says “¡cachai?”, they ask if you understand.

“Carrete” is the code word for party, and “hacer una vaca” (do a cow) does not imply animals, but instead gathering money between several people for an ordinary expense. “Andar arriba de la pelota” (to be on top of a ball) is to be drunk, because literally if you get on a ball you lose your balance 🤣. If someone “tira la talla” (throw the size) is joking, and if they tell you “chicotea los caracoles,” (whips the snails) they are hurrying you up since chicota is a type of whip. Suppose someone tells you that “Claudio me está pintando el mono” (Claudio is painting me the monkey) means he called him out or corrected him for something. On the other hand, “pintamono” can also mean to clown around, to make a fool of oneself to get attention, for example, by saying “Claudio is a pintamonos” or what is the same, “Claudio is giving juice”.

To leave someone like a “chaleco de mono” (monkey vest) means that someone spoke badly of him behind his back. And one last thing with animals: “echarse una manito de gato” (to give oneself a kitty hand) means to carefully groom oneself before going out💅.

One language, a thousand ways to express it.

Spanish, like all languages, is shaped by the culture and identity of each country. This is why regional idioms and expressions enrich communication and reflect the history and creativity of their speakers.

If you travel around the Spanish-speaking world, be prepared to discover that what means one thing in your country may be entirely different in another. Best of all, learning these idioms is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a new culture. So, gather your thoughts and continue exploring the fascinating world of words!

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