In The Community
Owning the label and turning it into a movement
Photo by giano currie on UnsplashWhat 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
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
Photo by Kevin Woblick on UnsplashMany “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
Photo by Sohaim Siddiquee on UnsplashMany “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
Photo by Ben Duchac on UnsplashOne 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.
“Chido” from Mexico
Photo by Collin on UnsplashImagine something so cool, that the word "cool" just doesn’t cut it; you need something more. That’s “chido.” Whether it’s a killer party, an epic movie, or just a fantastic day, “chido” is the go-to word for Mexicans. We need a word like that in English, right?
“Guagua” from Chile, Ecuador and Peru
Photo by hessam nabavi on UnsplashIf you’ve ever met a baby that made you feel like the word “cute” wasn’t enough to describe them, “guagua” would be the Latin American term for that. It’s used in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru to describe exactly that, an extremely adorable baby, the kind of bundle of joy you can’t help but gush over. Next time you see a cute baby, just think “guagua.”
“Pana” from Venezuela
Photo by Omar Lopez on UnsplashYou know that friend who’s always there for you, the one you can rely on no matter what? In Venezuela, that’s your “pana.” It’s more than a friend; it’s a buddy, a pal, your go-to person, and you go way back. Sure, it’s used casually, like Americans use “bro,” but not anyone is a “pana.”
“Chévere” from Venezuela and Colombia
Photo by Deepak Rastogi on UnsplashThis word is a bit like “chido” but with its own flair. “Chévere” means something’s cool, great, or nice. It’s the perfect word for anything that just feels right. It’s a common response to “How are you?” and it’s also used as a confirmation, as in, “Okay, cool” or rather “Ok, chévere.”
“Jíbaro” from Puerto Rico
Photo by tabitha turner on UnsplashThis one’s a bit tricky. “Jíbaro” is used in Puerto Rico to refer to a rural person, often someone who lives in the mountains. This term carries a sense of pride and tradition. It’s about being tough, self-reliant, and connected to the land, so it’s quite a compliment!
“Fome” from Chile
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
When something is incredibly boring, the kind of boring that makes you want to fall asleep standing up, Chileans call it “fome.” It’s the perfect word for a dull movie, or a tedious meeting, or anything that makes your brain kind of turn off.
“¡Aguas!” from Mexico
macro photography of waterPhoto by Samara Doole on UnsplashLiterally means “waters,” but in Mexico, it’s a warning—something like “Watch out!” It’s the kind of quick warning you give someone who’s about to step into trouble either physically by, say, picking a fight, or mentally or emotionally by, say, starting a relationship with a person who’s bad news.
“Buena onda” from Argentina
Photo by Victor on UnsplashIf someone’s got a great vibe, they would be called “buena onda” in Argentina. It’s about having good energy, a positive attitude, and just making everyone around feel good. You can call people you love to be around “buena onda,” and it’s a great compliment.
“Despapaye” from Mexico
Photo by Michael Discenza on UnsplashLife gets messy, and sometimes, it’s a delightful chaos. That’s what “despapaye” means—a big, fun, disorganized mess. Think of a party that’s gotten out of control but in the best way, that would be a “despapaye,” and we love those!
“Mijo/Mija” from Mexico
Photo by Danie Franco on UnsplashThese terms are endearing combinations of “my” and “son/daughter” but they’re used affectionately for almost anyone who’s younger than you. It’s like saying “sweetie” or “honey.” It’s the word Mexican parents and grandparents use the most when they’re addressing their kids or grandkids.
There you have it! 10 Latin American words with no English translations that you can use in casual conversation. Next time you’re chatting with friends, you can whip some of these out. Language is all about having fun and connecting with others, after all.
- The Sofía Vergara Controversy: Is a Spanish Accent Actually Stupid? ›
- Not All Latinos Speak Spanish – And They Don’t Need To ›
- “No Sabo” is a Slur, Fight Me On It ›
