Funny Words and Idiomatic Expressions in Spanish!

Taking on the challenge of learning a new language is one of the best things you can do, but it can also become somewhat tiring and difficult. You have to spend a lot of hours reading books, watching movies, doing grammar exercises and a ton of other things just to get acquainted with the language. And then come the confusing idiomatic expressions!

And, in Spanish, there are a lot of idiomatic expressions. They can be a very amusing thing to study, like you’ll attest with the examples we’re about to give you!

El lampiño.

Do you have a friend that, no matter what he does or how much he waits, seems unable to grow a beard? Yes, you probably do! And there is a special word in Spanish for that one friend: “el lampiño”. This word is used to describe someone with none or very little facial hair and is the perfect nickname to give to that one beardless friend of yours!


Are you one to get really moody on cold days? Or is it summer heat that bothers you instead? Well, either way, Spanish language has the perfect words for those who are very sensitive to cold or heat: “frioleros” (sensitive to the cold) and “calurosos” (sensitive to the heat). So, chances are you’re either “friolero” or “caluroso”, but it’s up to you to decide.


“Achuchar”. Here’s something that you either love or hate! Are you the sort of person that really likes human touch? Do you love to hug your friends and family? Do you love to be hugged? Or do you just simply hate it? “Achuchar” is usually translated as “to hug”, but it really refers to a very tight hug (to hug is simply abrazar). It’s a funny expression, like so many in Spanish, especially because it can also mean “to cuddle”, which is something that, we will risk to say, everyone enjoys. So, do you love to “achuchar” your friends or are you better off untouched?


“Forrarse”. This seems like an ugly word and if you are an English speaker you might have some difficulties pronouncing it (and, if you do, check out how to roll your rs). However, if, by any chance, you get rich, this is the expression your Spanish friends will use to talk about you. It comes from Latin America and it means something like “to become rich” and we know, you want it! Also, you can use the expression “estar forrado”, which means “being loaded” - hopefully, with lots of cash. Ready to “forrarse”?

Salma Hayek explains Mexican idiomatic expressions.


Now one from Mexico: “enchilar”. This word has more than one meaning, but let’s start with the most common. “Enchilar” comes from the word “chile” (chili) and it is used when someone gets a red face after eating chilies. In addition to this, it can also mean to annoy someone or to get angry at someone (enchilarse). As you can see, this word has a very strong cultural connotation, which goes to prove the importance of learning a country’s culture when learning its language. The more you learn about it, the easier you’ll assimilate these idiomatic expressions!


This word is probably the cutest we will show you and it is mostly used in Colombia. Did you have a secret boyfriend when you were a teenager? Well, if the answer is yes, know that in Colombia he would be called “tinieblo”. It also has a not so funny and cute meaning, which is to be in a state of almost darkness, with a very dim light.  

Besides this incredible words, Spanish grammar also has some very amazing idiomatic expressions. We picked the best ones for you!

Comiendo moscas.

Do you have that one friend that can’t seem to shut up? Always talking but not really saying much? In Spanish there’s an idiomatic expression to perfectly describe that person: “comiendo moscas”, or “eating flies”. For example, if you’re ever with a friend and he/she doesn’t stop talking, you can tell them that they are “comiendo moscas”.  (Eating flies, obviously, isn’t a good idea so we hope they don’t take it literally.)

La última coca-cola en el desierto.

“Creerse la última coca-cola en el desierto” is an idiomatic expression to describe people who think very highly of themselves. It can be literally translated as “believing you are the last coke in the desert”, which is also used in English from time to time. It’s quite a powerful image when you come to think of it, isn’t it?

Hablando del rey de Roma.

Has it ever happened to you to be talking about someone and all of the sudden they show up there? It probably has. If you are an English speaker, you would most likely say something like “speak of the devil”. In the Spanish, there’s an idiomatic expression for that as well: “hablando del rey de Roma”, which translates as “speaking of the king of Rome”. Just like the word “enchilar” that we mentioned above, this phrase too has a strong cultural connotation. Romans played an important role in Spanish history, not to mention the geographical proximity between Spain and Italy.
All these words and idiomatic are proof that studying a new language is not necessarily boring or tiresome. Actually, it can be amazing! Try to use these words with your friends and then explain it to them. When they become jealous of you, don’t forget everyone can enroll in our group courses. See you soon!

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