5 Ways “No Sabo” Kids Are Reclaiming This Shaming Label

latina woman smiling at the camera
Photo by Los Muertos Crew

Let’s be real: if you grew up in a Latino household in the U.S. and aren’t exactly fluent in Spanish, you’ve probably been called a “No Sabo” kid at some point. It’s a term that’s tossed around to describe someone who isn’t too sharp with their Spanish—specifically, someone who might say “no sabo” instead of “no sé” when they mean “I don’t know.” But here’s the kicker: what used to be a bit of a roast is now being flipped on its head, and “No Sabo” kids are turning that label into a badge of honor.

Owning the label and turning it into a movement

portrait of an empowered LatinaPhoto by giano currie on Unsplash

What started as a term meant to shame Latinos who don't speak perfect Spanish or don't speak Spanish at all has now become a movement. TikTok is flooded with #nosabo videos, where young Latinos embrace their imperfect Spanish, laugh at their mistakes, and show off their cultural duality. Instead of feeling embarrassed, they’re saying, “Yeah, I’m a ‘No Sabo’ kid—so what?” It’s a way to reclaim their identity and say, “This is who I am, and I’m proud of it.” The sentiment runs along the lines of “You can’t shame me if I own it first,” and honestly, that’s a vibe we can all get behind.

Mixing it up: the rise of Spanglish

A Latina woman partially covers her face with a book that has the word "Spanglish" on the cover

Luz Media

Spanglish isn’t just a language; it’s a cultural phenomenon. “No Sabo” kids are fluent in blending English and Spanish, creating a unique way of speaking that reflects their bicultural experience. They’re not just sticking to one language—they’re mixing them up, adding a little sazón to their everyday conversations. It’s not about speaking perfect Spanish or perfect English; it’s about communicating in a way that feels authentic to them. And let’s be honest, there’s something pretty cool about being able to switch between languages (or mix them up) on the fly.

Learning on their own terms

Woman watching tvPhoto by Kevin Woblick on Unsplash

Many “No Sabo” kids are taking matters into their own hands, learning Spanish at their own pace and in ways that make sense to them. Whether it’s through apps, watching telenovelas, or playing games like “Yo Sabo,” they’re finding creative ways to reconnect with the language. And the best part? They’re doing it without the pressure of needing to be perfect. It’s all about progress, not perfection. By choosing how and when they want to learn, they’re making the experience more meaningful and fun—because let’s face it, learning a language should never feel like a chore.

Celebrating cultural duality

a woamn smilingPhoto by Sohaim Siddiquee on Unsplash

Many “No Sabo” kids understand that not being fluent in Spanish doesn’t make them any less Latino. They’re proud of their heritage, even if their Spanish isn’t perfect. They celebrate their culture in other ways—through food, music, traditions, and, yes, even through Spanglish. It’s a reminder that being Latino isn’t about how well you speak the language; it’s about the connection you have to your roots. So, whether they’re jamming out to Becky G or making tamales with abuela, they’re embracing every part of their identity, language fluency aside.

Creating safe spaces for learning and growth

people sitting on grass fieldPhoto by Ben Duchac on Unsplash

One of the most powerful ways “No Sabo” kids are reclaiming the label is by creating and participating in communities that support language learning without judgment. Programs like “Spanish Sin Pena” (Spanish Without Shame) offer a space where people can learn and practice Spanish in a positive environment. These spaces aren’t just about improving language skills—they’re about building confidence and breaking down the shame that so many have felt for not speaking Spanish “well enough.” It’s about saying, “Hey, we’re all in this together, and it’s okay to make mistakes.” Because at the end of the day, language is about connection, not perfection.

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