Skip to Menu | Skip to Content

El Patio Spanish

Spanish Language School

Spanish is the official language of more than 20 countries and has over 500 million speakers, so imagine how much slang is out there waiting to be discovered - it can even vary from from city to city!

Knowing Spanish is already impressive, but using authentic, local expressions? That’s next-level. Here are some phrases to help you sound more like a native and bring your Spanish to life.

Language Warning:
The Spanish slang and curse words in this post reflect real-life language and culture. Taboos often reveal a lot about how people think, feel, and connect—so while this content might be a bit spicy, it’s all part of learning authentic Spanish. Reader discretion is advised.

PONERSE LAS PILAS

Literally: to put your batteries in

Meaning: to get cracking, to get a move on

 

You can use “ponerse las pilas” when someone is being too slow and needs to move with a bit more urgency. You can also use it to encourage someone to focus and get a task done quickly.

It's used in the reflexive or imperative form. 

 

Examples:

• ¡Valeria, ponte las pilas! Hay que trabajar. 

• Tengo que ponerme las pilas y terminar este artículo.

It's so common it even comes in an abbreviated form: ¡Pilas!

BUENA ONDA

Literally: good wave

Meaning: cool

 

“Buena onda” can be used to describe cool people, places or moments. It’s used often in Mexico, Chile and Argentina but will be understood anywhere.

 

Examples:

• Las profesoras de El Patio son muy buena onda.
• ¡Qué buena onda en esta fiesta!

LA HOSTIA

Literally: The host (Communion bread)

Meaning: varied according to context – but always vulgar

 

Spain is historically a Catholic country, which means the Church features prominently in the language's curse words (very blasphemous, we know).

“La hostia” is used as an exclamation of surprise or dismay. It can also be used as an intensifier, similar to how f**king is used in English. Beware, this is quite a vulgar expression.

 

Examples:

• Ese inspector de la hostia 
• ¡Me cago en la hostia! (Be careful with this one!)

DAR CALABAZAS

Literally: give pumpkins

Meaning: to brush someone off, or reject them

This is a sad one. "Dar calabazas" is used when someone doesn't want to go out with you, and you try to persuade them but they still say "no". So, it's used to say that your love is not welcome, or in the event that someone breaks your heart. We hope you never have to use this expression!

 

Examples: 

• Mi esposa me dio calabazas hasta tres veces antes de tener nuestra primera cita.
• Invitá a Mario a la fiesta pero me dio calabazas

OTRO GALLO CANTARÍA

Literally: another rooster would sing

Meaning: things could have been different

 

“Otro gallo cantaría” means that if something different had happened in the past, it would have led to a different outcome. It can also be used the same way we use “if only" in English.

 

The origin of this expression is religious too – specifically, when Christ tells the apostle Peter that he will deny him three times after his death. The full phrase is "Si Pedro no hubiera negado a Jesucristo tres veces, otro gallo cantaría", meaning "if Peter hadn't denied Jesus three times, another rooster would sing".

 

Examples:

• Si hubiera estado más atenta otro gallo me cantaría. 
• Si ese presidente so hubiera ganado las elecciones otro gallo cantaría

HABLAR POR LOS CODOS

Literally: to talk with your elbows

Meaning: to be a chatterbox

 

“Hablar por los codos” is used to describe someone who speaks too much, especially about irrelevant things. You can also say “hablaron hasta por los codos” – literally, "they spoke so much, even from the elbows!" – when people talk and talk to each other, usually because they're getting along well.

 

Examples:

• Esas amigas hablan hasta por los codos.
• Juan no se calla nunca. ¡Habla hasta por los codos!

MIERDA, MIERDA

Literally: s**t, s**t

Meaning: break a leg

 

Also "mucha mierda" or "pura mierda" is a common expression in the performing arts. You would say this to someone who is about to perform. It's a backstage custom – and a much-needed one considering you cannot say “buena suerte” (good luck), because that is considered bad luck! 

Want to learn how people really speak?

If you're ready to go beyond the textbook and speak Spanish like it's actually spoken, come join us! Our classes don't just teach grammar—they dive into the slang, expressions, and the cultures that bring the language to life. 

Already taking a Spanish class? Here are some great ways to pick up new expressions:

• Watch Spanish TV shows and movies—ideally with Spanish subtitles. Pause whenever you hear an unfamiliar phrase and look it up.

• Follow Spanish-speaking creators on social media and explore the comments—real language in action!

• Listen to Spanish music and read along with the lyrics. It’s a fun way to absorb expressions and pronunciation.

• Tune into podcasts, especially conversational or storytelling ones. You can slow them down to catch more, and many come with transcripts—or even captions on Spotify.

• Learn common phrases and try them out in class. Don’t be shy—using them helps lock them in!

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Each month we'll send you Spanish language tips, practice exercises, useful links, special offers and fun upcoming events.

View past newsletters

© 2025 El Patio Spanish. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage | Terms & Conditions | Privacy