How to Understand Spanish Slang

Learning and understanding some Spanish slang and crutch words can help you to communicate better in Spanish, whether for education or tourism, and also helps you to appear more fluent. Slang can consist of crutch words and current expressions.

Instructions

1. Know some crutch words. Just as in English, your thoughts won't flow completely. Learn some words to use while you are formulating the rest of your sentence. Instead of "ummm," try "o...sea" (oh-SAY-uh). A good slang term meaning the same as "well" is "pues."

2. Know the current slang. Just as you would never say "cowabunga dude" after 1985, Spanish also changes up its slang. Visit Internet sites, especially blogs, for the most current terms. A perennial favorite, though: "how cool" is "que padre" (kay PAH dray).

3. Can't think of the word? Learn the slang word that covers everything. One of the most widely used Spanish slang words is "chisme," which basically covers any noun, much as English speakers might use "whatchamacallit."

4. Expand your vocabulary. As in English, most slang is based on "real" phrases or words. Your chances of understanding these phrases is increased by the amount of vocabulary you have to work with.

Tips & Warnings

• All languages are dynamic. Update yourself as often as possible through blogs, websites and current books in order to learn the most current slang terms.

• As a non-native speaker, use slang sparingly and only in good company. Societal rules differ between countries, and what may be an acceptable joke in one dialect could be fighting words in another.