flaco
Mexico, everyday
In Mexico "skinny" is flaco for a man and flaca for a woman. Delgado or delgada is the gentler word and flaquito is a friendly nickname.
Meaning: thin, with little body fat (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| flaco | Mexico, everyday |
| delgado | neutral, polite |
| flaquito | affectionate, Mexico |
Flaco can be a nickname with no insult, for example calling a friend flaco. With strangers delgado is safer.
Which one should you use?
Flaco can sound blunt if it comes with a comment about food. Delgado just describes a slim build.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Flaco and flaca are also common Mexican terms of endearment for partners and friends, regardless of weight.
Did you know?
- Mexican grandmothers are stereotyped for saying estás muy flaco as a greeting, a sign of care.
Examples in context
- Mi primo es muy flaco.My cousin is very skinny.
- Ella es delgada y alta.She is slim and tall.
- Ven, flaquito, come algo.Come, skinny one, eat something.
Example conversation
Grandma Josefina greets her grandson Mateo at a family lunch in Toluca.
- JosefinaMateo, estás muy flaquito. Come más.Mateo, you are very skinny. Eat more.
- MateoAbuela, sí estoy comiendo.Grandma, I am eating.
- JosefinaToma, te sirvo más arroz.Here, I will serve you more rice.
