How to speak Mexican in 197 easy lessons

 I swear a lot in Spanish. My wife doesn't like cursing — public swearing is illegal in Trinidad, and her extensive time in Queens did nothing to change her (most excellent!) preferences — but I can't abandon the practice.  But what I can do is change languages.

Now, the groserías that I picked up as a kid came mostly from Spain (at home) or Puerto Rico (hundreds of different people and places). But my Spanish swearing really didn't come into its own until I lived in Mexico City. That town has developed it to a high art.

Now, courtesy of my old friend Tania Martínez, comes an excellent guide to swearing in Mexican, or, more properly, Chilangese.

I have had to insist that my wife not call me “güey” when she's talking to me, even though that's how she refers to her Mexican friends. When you understand why that sounds wrong, then you will be ready to advance to the next level. When you can explain the proper use of “cagado,” then you will be an expert. Until then, enjoy, learn, and feel free to exercise the Nicoll Doctrine of English language expansion.  You will be doing your country a mitzvah.

And it will come very much in handy while watching sporting events in certain parts of North America and most of Europe north of the Pyrenees. If not a Yankees bar in Boston. Trust me, and I speak from highly embarrassed experience, somebody will understand you.

Comments

[Bernard Guerrero]

I dunno, my Dad seemed to be able to get a lot of mileage out of just coño (or just ño) and me cago en (or con) dios.

[Noel Maurer]

Ah, but that supports the argument, does it not? To truly appreciate the beauteous profanity of which the Spanish language is capable, one must learn the sublime vulgarities of Chilangese. Otherwise, one is merely grunting.

[Anonymous]

Mexican is not a language , Is part of Spanish. What make it Mexican is the typical phrases the citizens use...

[Anonymous]

I agree... Nobody can learn how to speak as native citizen

[Noel Maurer]

I have to ask you change your handle. Otherwise, I'll reluctantly have to block you. You can leave the url, although I've taken it out so far.

[Rezwan]

What does loco mean in Mexican please tell me and also how do you swear in Mexican