loco
everyday, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish people usually say loco (or loca for a woman) for a lunatic, and lunático sounds bookish. Chiflado is a milder, joking word.
Meaning: a person who behaves wildly or irrationally (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| loco | everyday, Mexico |
| lunático | literary |
| chiflado | casual, Mexico |
Está loco is the common reaction to someone doing something wild, often said with a laugh among friends.
Which one should you use?
Lunático is understood everywhere but is rare in daily speech. Chiflado is playful and not a serious insult.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Calling a real person with a mental illness loco can hurt. Use it for wild behavior, not for medical situations.
Did you know?
- Lunático comes from luna, the Latin root also behind English "lunatic", because the moon was once blamed for madness.
Examples in context
- Ese tipo está loco.That guy is crazy.
- No manejes como loca.Do not drive like a lunatic.
- Mi tío es un poco chiflado.My uncle is a bit nutty.
Example conversation
Two friends watch a man dance on a parked car in Guadalajara.
- AnaMira a ese tipo.Look at that guy.
- LuisEstá loco.He is crazy.
- AnaSí, un poco chiflado.Yes, a bit nutty.
