hablar jerga
/ablaɾ xeɾɡa/from spelling rules
To speak slang in Spanish is hablar jerga.
The phrase is used to describe the act of using informal words and phrases that are characteristic of a specific group of people.
Which one should you use?
While hablar jerga means to speak slang, adding the preposition de creates the phrase hablar de jerga, which means to talk about slang. You can also use the phrase hablar en jerga to express the idea of speaking in slang. If you want to focus specifically on the application of certain terms, the verb usar is often used in the phrase usar jerga, meaning to use slang.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term güey is a widely used word meaning 'dude'. In Argentina, the word boludo has a similar meaning to güey.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase hablar jerga is an infinitive construction used to express the action of speaking slang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ablaɾ xeɾɡa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, jerga can refer to both linguistic slang and a type of coarse fabric, similar to 'serge' in English.
- Depending on the region, hablar jerga can imply a secret code used by criminals or marginalized groups to avoid being understood by authorities.
- The term jerga is thought to be 'echoic', meaning it was originally an imitation of the chattering or twittering sounds made by birds.
Examples in context
- MolarTo be cool
- ColegaMate, buddy
- FliparTo be amazed, blown away
- NetaTruth, for real
- Chido/aCool, awesome
- No mamesNo way (can be vulgar in certain contexts)
- Copado/aCool, neat
- No me gusta hablar jerga en el trabajo.I don't like to speak slang at work.
- Es difícil entender si vas a hablar jerga.It is difficult to understand if you are going to speak slang.
- ¿Por qué prefieres hablar jerga con tus amigos?Why do you prefer to speak slang with your friends?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about their new classmates.
- LucíaMateo, ¿por qué hablan así los alumnos nuevos?Mateo, why are the new students talking like that?
- MateoCreo que les gusta hablar jerga.I think they like to speak slang.
- LucíaNo entiendo nada de lo que dicen.I don't understand anything they are saying.
- MateoEs normal, es la jerga de su ciudad.It's normal, it's the slang from their city.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hablar, jerga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
