carnal
Mexican slang
The Mexican slang for bro is carnal, meaning a close friend who is like a brother. The standard word is hermano, and cuate is another friendly Mexican word.
Meaning: a friendly word for a male friend or brother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| carnal | Mexican slang |
| hermano | standard |
| cuate | Mexican slang |
Carnal is warm and informal, as in ¿qué onda, carnal? It comes from carne and originally meant a real brother. Cuate means a buddy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Young people in Mexico also borrow the English word bro in casual talk, but carnal is the classic Mexican choice.
Did you know?
- The word carnal is related to carne, "flesh", and a carnal was originally a brother by blood.
Examples in context
- Gracias, hermano, me ayudaste mucho.Thanks, brother, you helped me a lot.
- Mi cuate me prestó su coche.My buddy lent me his car.
Example conversation
Friends Chuy and Memo meet at a taquería.
- Chuy¿Qué onda, carnal? ¿Cómo andas?What is up, bro? How are you?
- MemoBien, aquí con hambre.Good, hungry here.
- ChuyPues pidamos unos tacos.Well, let us order some tacos.
