Puerto Vallarta is a very bilingual city, but if you want to get a smile from your bartender or taxi driver, dropping a few local Mexican slang words goes a long way.
The Spanish spoken in Mexico is colorful, friendly, and very different from the Spanish taught in high school textbooks or spoken in Spain.
1. Chela / Cheve (Beer)
If there is only one slang word you learn for your vacation, make it this one.
- Textbook: Cerveza
- Local: Chela
- How to use it: "Dos chelas, por favor." (Two beers, please.)
2. ¡Qué Padre! (Cool / Awesome)
Use this to express excitement or when someone shows you something beautiful.
- Literal translation: What father!
- Actual meaning: That is so cool!
- How to use it: "¡Qué padre está esta playa!" (This beach is great!)
3. Mande (Excuse me / What?)
If a local says something and you didn't hear them, do not say "¿Qué?" (What?). Many Mexicans answer with "Mande", which is more polite; a bare "¿Qué?" can sound blunt.
- Actual meaning: Pardon? / Yes? (when someone calls you)
4. Ahorita (Right now... or maybe never)
This is the most famous, and most frustrating, word in Mexico.
- Textbook: Right now.
- Actual meaning: Sometime between 5 seconds from now and the end of time.
- How to use it: If the waiter says your food is coming ahorita, just relax and enjoy your chela. It will arrive when it arrives.
5. Güero / Güera (Blonde / Light-skinned)
Do not be offended if a vendor at the market calls you this. It is a term of endearment used for anyone with lighter skin or hair, including other Mexicans.
- How you'll hear it: "Pásale, güero!" (Come on in, blonde guy!)
