vato loco
/bato loko/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase vato loco means crazy guy.
vato loco is a slang phrase that originated within the Mexican-American community in the United States.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vato (guy/dude) and loco (crazy).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is highly informal and is considered street slang.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term vato is characteristic of Chicano slang in the United States and Northern Mexico. In Argentina, the phrase Chabón lunático is used to mean Lunatic dude.
Did you know?
- The word vato is believed to have evolved from the word chivato, which was a friendly insult meaning 'goat'.
- The term vato grew out of Pachuco slang in the 1940s, a distinct youth culture of Mexican-Americans known for their stylized clothing and unique dialect.
- While vato loco is common in the US and Northern Mexico, using it in Southern Spain or South America might make you sound like you are imitating a movie character.
Examples in context
- Ese tipo es un vato loco.That guy is a crazy dude.
- No te juntes con ese vato loco.Don't hang out with that crazy dude.
- Vi a un vato loco en la calle.I saw a crazy dude in the street.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are walking through a busy neighborhood.
- Javier¿Viste a ese vato loco?Did you see that crazy dude?
- LucíaSí, parece un poco peligroso.Yes, he looks a bit dangerous.
- JavierMejor sigamos caminando rápido.We should better keep walking fast.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier.You're right, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries loco, vato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
