DISCOVER the origins of the Mexican word guajolote (turkey) and its Nahuatl roots. Learn how Mexicans use it in everyday speech—and don’t miss the delicious twist: the guajolota, a tamale sandwich that’s pure street-food genius.
Discover the real meaning of the Mexican word chapulín! From Oaxacan snacks to the origins of Chapultepec (“Grasshopper Hill”) and the beloved superhero El Chapulín Colorado, find out how this little bug became a giant part of Mexican culture — with humor, history, and heart.
Discover why Mexicans say ¿A POCO? to mean “Really?” or “No way!” Learn the everyday uses, and funny examples of this classic Mexican expression. Packed with real-life Spanish sentences, English translations, this article reveals how two simple words capture Mexico’s unique mix of curiosity, disbelief, and charm.
In the 1995 movie Babe the little piglet had a major challenge: he needed to communicate with the sheep in order to win the sheep herding competition. The secret? The following password: “Baa-ram-ewe! Baa-ram-ewe! To your breed, your fleece, your clan be true! Sheep be true! Baa-ram-ewe.” And voilà! Suddenly, the sheep obediently followed his instructions. Babe became a champion! In the same way, when we learn a foreign language, we must also familiarize ourselves with country-specific vocabulary to convey our thoughts effectively with others.
To ask this most basic question in the English-speaking world is not as easy as you think. You must take into account the variety of English spoken in the country you are visiting. Depending on where you are, you might ask for a ...
You might imagine that the word for blonde in Spanish would be standard everywhere, but not so. To refer to a blonde, you would have to mention a ...
Our guides to Spanish are not meant to teach you basic vocabulary. Rather, we highlight the most common local words, idioms, and sayings that are spoken almost exclusively within the country you are visiting—all explained in plain English with examples and clear translations. Click on the links on the menu or read some of the latest posts below. If you do, we're confident that in short order you'll be feeling like an insider.
