😎 Spanish Street Slang

Once you’ve got to grips with the basics of Spanish, and you’re ready to move it on to the next level…

 

The world of street slang is waiting for you! 😎

 

This is a really fun part because it helps you get beyond the more formal side of the language and connect with people more casually. Everyone uses slang when speaking their own language, so it makes sense to learn some words and phrases in Spanish too. 

 

Here are some of the most common Spanish slang words used in Spain.

 

Guay - cool (pronounced /gwai/) 

 

To say that something is great informally.

Ex. ¡Qué guay! me encanta el plan - How cool! I love the plan

 

Tapear - To go out for tapas

 

Tapas are a huge part of Spanish culture, and Spaniards go out for tapas so often that there’s an actual verb for it! 

Ex. Este bar es un buen sitio para tapear - This bar is a good place for tapas

 

Maja/o 

 

This is a very natural way of saying that someone is nice and friendly in Spanish.

Ex. Pedro es muy majo - Pedro is very nice/friendly

 

Pijo - pretentious/snobbish

 

Ex. Este restaurantes es súper pijo -  This restaurant is very pretentious

 

These are high frequency slang words used across Spain. But remember that other slang words may only be regional or from another Spanish speaking country (if you hear them in films, series, songs...) So, always check that they are relevant and appropriate where you want to use them as they can mean something completely different in Spain! 

Knowing some Spanish slang words and other informal expressions is a fantastic way to break the ice and befriend a local.

Because just knowing how to put sentences together, using textbook vocabulary or from an app will not be enough to navigate daily life in Spain… You need real practice and adding some slang will help you sound really natural and fluent and will take your language skills to the next level.