Differences colloquial expressions in Mexico and Spain in colloquial Spanish.
In this article, we delve into the specific differences between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish through their most unique expressions. Spanish, a language that weaves through diverse cultures, unfolds its richness through idiomatic expressions, connecting over 460 million native speakers.
1. Mexico: ¡Qué padre! vs. Spain: ¡Qué guay! ¡Qué chulo! ¡Qué mono!
In Mexico, enthusiasm is expressed with a resounding “¡Qué padre!” (“¡Qué Padre!, ¡Súper Padre!, ¡Padrísimo!”), reflecting not only approval but also a touch of admiration. On the other hand, “¡Qué guay!” is an equally effusive expression. The word ‘guay’ is an informal way to designate something “good, excellent.” It has become so popular that the Royal Spanish Academy included it with this meaning in the Dictionary of the Language.
“¡Qué chulo!” or “¡Qué mono!” are two other common expressions to convey that something seems beautiful. The adjective “chulo” is generally used to positively value something aesthetically pleasing or modern: “That ring looks so cool! … I love it!” Although it also designates people who live, eat, or have fun at the expense of others, someone who is boastful, arrogant, or braggart: “Ese tío es un chulo.'” Regarding the adjective “mono,” it is used to value something cute or sweet, such as babies, children, or small animals: “¡El perrito del vecino es muy mono!” or “¡Oh, qué niño más mono!”
All these expressions are more than mere words; they are windows that allow us to glimpse into how each culture celebrates the positive and exciting aspects of life.
2. Colloquial Expressions: Chido vs. Mola
Colloquial expressions add color and authenticity to everyday speech. In Mexico, the adjective “chido” is used to describe something positive (“El carro de tu hermano está muy chido”). It is a word that comes from Mexican ‘caló,’ the street slang of Mexico City, and has become part of everyday Mexican vocabulary. According to the Royal Spanish Academy, it means that something is beautiful or very good, but it also refers to something interesting or that we find good or attractive.
On the contrary, “mola” serves a similar function to the verb “gustar”: “¡Me mola mucho tu chaqueta!” or “Me mola esta banda española” .The verb ‘molar’ is of Caló (Gypsy) origin and is colloquially used in a romantic context to say that someone attracts us a lot.
3. Estar en las nubes or Estar en Babia
In Spanish, the expression “estar en las nubes” is used to express the idea of distraction or daydreaming. In Spain, the expression “estar en Babia” is also used. We are ‘in Babia’ when we are absent, not aware of what is happening around us. Babia is the name of a region in the north of the province of León (Spain), and it seems that, in the Middle Ages, the kings of León and the wealthiest people who followed the court chose this place for their rest and to disconnect from the daily tasks of the court. The environment had a relaxing effect on the monarchs who spent a good part of the year there, especially in summer. It is believed that this was the origin of this expression.
The same idea can be expressed in poetic and distinctive ways in different parts of the Spanish-speaking world.
4. Dar pena or dar vergüenza
In Mexican Spanish, the term “dar pena” implies feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed by the situation one is in. It can arise in social contexts where one perceives not meeting expectations or when a mistake is made. Saying “me da pena” could reflect a feeling of discomfort or shyness, conveying the idea of not wanting to attract negative attention. In Spain Spanish, the expression “dar vergüenza” is also related to social norms but with a different nuance. Saying that something or someone “da vergüenza” may imply a sense of disapproval or disappointment, connecting with the idea that the action or situation is inappropriate or shameful. In this context, “dar vergüenza” can suggest a more critical evaluation of the behavior or situation in question.
Although the expressions “dar pena” and “dar vergüenza” may have seemingly similar meanings, the difference lies in the cultural nuance that each region imparts. In Mexico, “dar pena” may be more associated with personal shyness and discomfort, while in Spain, “dar vergüenza” may have a connotation more linked to social perception and inappropriate behavior.
5. Indigenous Touch in Mexico: Náhuatl in Action
Mexican Spanish carries a unique linguistic heritage due to the influence of indigenous languages, particularly Náhuatl. These are Nahuatl indigenous words: chocolate (bitter water), aguacate which comes from áwakatl (tree testicles), cacahuete from tlalcacahuatl (earth cocoa), chicle from tzictli (chewable gum), tiza from tizatl (white earth), petaca from petlacalli (box made of petate), tomate from Tomatl (fat water), or chili (Aztec goddess). Here is a link where you can learn more about Nahuatl.
This linguistic mestizaje not only adds a unique dimension to Mexican Spanish but also serves as a reminder of the cultural richness that has shaped the country’s identity.
Conclusion
Idiomatic expressions, far from being mere linguistic curiosities, act as bridges that connect us with the stories, emotions, and traditions of those who speak Spanish. When we explore the differences in these expressions between Mexico and Spain, we not only enrich our knowledge of the language but also immerse ourselves in the cultural richness of two worlds that share a language but express it uniquely.