20 Modern Spanish Expressions You Must Know in 2024
Spanish slang is evolving faster than ever, thanks to social media, pop culture, and the creativity of younger generations. If you want to sound like a native in 2024, you’ll need to master the newest phrases. From “estoy off” to “modo chill”, here are 20 super modern Spanish expressions that you’ll hear everywhere.
1. Estoy off – I’m Done/I’m Not in the Mood
This trendy phrase is used to express feeling tired, disconnected, or simply not in the mood to do something.
- Example: Hoy estoy off, no voy a salir. (I’m off today; I’m not going out.)
2. Bajonear – To Feel Down/To Be Sad
A modern term used in many countries like Argentina and Peru. It describes feeling down emotionally or losing motivation.
- Example: Después de ver la noticia, me quedé bajoneado. (After hearing the news, I felt down.)
3. Modo chill – To Be Relaxed/Take It Easy
This phrase is widely used to describe someone who is relaxed or taking things easy, like “chill mode” in English.
- Example: El domingo estuve en modo chill todo el día. (I was in chill mode all day on Sunday.)
4. Yape – To Send Money via App (Peru)
Derived from the popular payment app Yape, this word has become a verb in Peru to describe sending money quickly.
- Example: Yapéame diez soles, porfa. (Send me ten soles via Yape, please.)
5. Nica – No Way
A popular slang word that means there’s absolutely no chance of something happening. Short for “ni cagando.”
- Example: Nica voy a esa reunión tan temprano. (No way I’m going to that meeting so early.)
6. Tirar hate – To Throw Shade/To Criticize
Inspired by the English word “hate,” this phrase is used to describe someone who criticizes others, especially online.
- Example: Deja de tirar hate en redes sociales. (Stop throwing shade on social media.)
7. Habla – What’s Up?
A casual greeting often used among friends. It directly translates to “speak,” but it’s the equivalent of “what’s up?”
- Example: ¡Habla! ¿Qué planes tienes? (What’s up? What plans do you have?)
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8. Tranqui – Chill/Relax
Short for “tranquilo,” this is one of the most versatile modern expressions, used to tell someone to relax or take it easy.
- Example: Tranqui, todo está bajo control. (Chill, everything’s under control.)
9. Enchochado – To Be Infatuated
Used mainly in Peru, this modern term describes someone who is deeply in love or infatuated with someone.
- Example: Desde que la conoció, está enchochado. (Since he met her, he’s totally infatuated.)
10. Chequear – To Check
A borrowed verb that has become part of everyday slang to mean “check” or “verify.”
- Example: Voy a chequear la lista antes de enviarla. (I’ll check the list before sending it.)
11. GG – It’s Over/It’s Done
Inspired by online gaming, “GG” (good game) now means something is finished, whether good or bad.
- Example: Se acabaron las vacaciones. GG. (The holidays are over. GG.)
12. Qué cringe – That’s Embarrassing/Cringy
This phrase describes something awkward or second-hand embarrassing.
- Example: Su baile fue demasiado cringe. (His dancing was so cringy.)
13. Chamba – Job/Work
Widely used in Latin America, especially in Peru and Mexico, “chamba” means work or job.
- Example: Estoy buscando chamba ahora mismo. (I’m looking for a job right now.)
14. Pata – Friend/Buddy
In Peru and other countries, “pata” is a casual way to refer to a close friend.
- Example: Mi pata viene a la reunión más tarde. (My buddy is coming to the gathering later.)
Conclusion
These 20 modern Spanish expressions will help you sound current and confident in conversations. Stay connected to trends and practice these phrases to speak like a native in 2024!
Want to learn modern Spanish in a fun way?
Discover "Everyday Spanish Stories", a book with 20 engaging short stories set in Spain’s most iconic landmarks. Learn practical, modern vocabulary and slang in context.