How to Say “Slang Words” in Spanish

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palabras de jerga
/palabɾas de xeɾɡa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "slang words" is translated into Spanish as palabras de jerga.
This phrase refers to informal words and phrases used by particular groups of people. While you can use the full phrase, you can also use the noun jerga on its own to mean "slang" without needing to include the word for "words".

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, palabras de jerga translates to "words of slang".

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

If you want to refer to colloquial expressions or idioms in a more formal or technical way, you can use the term modismos.

Is it said differently in some regions?

The term jerga is a standard, neutral term that is understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. However, specific slang expressions vary significantly by location: for example, in Mexico and parts of Central America, one might say ¡Qué chido! to express excitement. In Spain, ¡Qué guay! serves a similar purpose. In Argentina, Mala pata describes bad luck. And in Peru, Jato is often used to refer to a house.

How do you pronounce it?

/palabɾas de xeɾɡa/

When do people say it?

Slang is highly regional in the Spanish-speaking world. For example, in Spain, the phrase Estar en la onda means to be trendy or in tune with what is popular.

Did you know?

  • The word jerga is an echoic term, meaning it was originally created to imitate a sound, specifically the 'chattering of birds'.
  • In Spanish, jerga can specifically refer to the specialized technical language used by professionals, like doctors or lawyers, rather than just informal street talk.

Examples in context

  • ¡Qué chido! Acabo de conseguir entradas para el concierto de mi banda favorita.
    How cool! I just got tickets to my favorite band's concert.
  • Mi profesor siempre me regaña porque a veces estoy en las nubes.
    My teacher always scolds me because sometimes I'm daydreaming.
  • Sara siempre está en la onda de la moda.
    Sara is always up-to-date with fashion trends.
  • ¡Qué guay! Me han dado un regalo sorpresa.
    How cool! I've been given a surprise gift.
  • Qué mala pata que se me haya roto el celular.
    What bad luck that my phone broke.
  • Vamos a mi jato a ver películas.
    Let's go to my place to watch movies.
  • No entiendo estas palabras de jerga.
    I don't understand these slang words.
  • El libro usa muchas palabras de jerga.
    The book uses many slang words.
  • ¿Qué significan esas palabras de jerga?
    What do those slang words mean?

Example conversation

María and Mateo are talking about learning a new language.

  1. María

    Me cuesta entender las palabras de jerga.
    I find it hard to understand the slang words.
  2. Mateo

    Es normal, Mateo también se confunde.
    It's normal, Mateo gets confused too.
  3. María

    ¿Dónde puedo aprender más palabras de jerga?
    Where can I learn more slang words?
  4. Mateo

    Puedes ver videos en internet, María.
    You can watch videos on the internet, María.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, jerga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Tom Ivan
Tom IvanHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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