güey
slang, Mexico
The best-known Mexican word for "dude" is güey, often written wey. It is slang for a friend or guy. Cuate and compa are friendly options.
Meaning: casual word for a guy or friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| güey | slang, Mexico |
| cuate | Mexico, friendly |
| compa | friendly |
Friends say ¿qué onda, güey? to each other. Use it only with people you know well, as the tone decides whether it is friendly or rude.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Said to a stranger or in an angry voice, güey can sound insulting. In an office or with older people, choose amigo or compañero.
When do people say it?
Cuate comes from Nahuatl and originally meant "twin". It now means "pal" in everyday Mexican speech.
Did you know?
- The slang güey started as buey, a word for an ox, and its meaning has become friendly in modern Mexican speech.
Examples in context
- Mi cuate me ayudó con la mudanza.My buddy helped me with the move.
- Vamos, compa, que se hace tarde.Come on, pal, it is getting late.
Example conversation
Chava and his friend Memo meet outside a stadium in Mexico City.
- Chava¿Qué onda, güey? ¿Ya llegaste?What is up, dude? Have you arrived?
- MemoSí, aquí estoy con mi cuate.Yes, I am here with my buddy.
- ChavaPues vamos a entrar.Well, let us go in.
