Discussion Thread Forum
sioux4noff
no mames!
My husband has a buddy who uses the expression “no mames.” He (the friend) wasn’t very clear on the meaning or when one would use the expression.
Same with the expression “no manchas”.
Another expression the guys use is “te banas” , which seem to be slang for see ya later, but I’m not sure how polite a thing it is to say.
Can someone help my husband (and me) out?
Thank you very much for any help!
+ + + + + + +
travisdyer
There is a good reason why he won’t tell you the difference.
These terms should never be used by or in the presence of a lady. “No Mames” is a VERY rude and disgusting phrase to use in front of a woman, or strangers. “No Manches” Is a lot more decent, but it still is not proper Spanish. “No Manches” liberally means, “don’t screw (joke or play) around” or “quit screwing around.”
“Te banas” literally means bathe yourself. This is used between men, as a joke, to say don’t forget to bathe after having sex. It is occasionally used as a way of saying “goodbye”, but again, not to be used in mixed company.
Sorry for the descriptive explanation, but maybe this will shed some light on these phrases.
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
“No Mames” I believe is a slang way of saying, Don’t Beg or Stop Begging.
+ + + + + + +
sioux4noff
Those descriptions are about what Harold got from his buddy Alex. Alex is a fireman, and Harold is a volunteer fireman. Alex knows quite a bit of English and knows the equivilent “vulgarities” for many things. Some he has a hard time explaining. Believe me, it’s not a matter of being polite! The things I mentioned are among the nicer things the guys call each other and say to each other.
And since they often forget I’m around and/or forget I am an “older lady” they do use those things when I’m nearby. They’re mostly a bunch of 18 – 25 year old guys so I don’t take offense, they are boys being boys.
+ + + + + + +
travisdyer
I have never heard that before, Oscar.
Wouldn’t “don’t beg” be more like “no ruegas?” The verb “rogar” means “to beg for.”
All I know is that my Mexican wife gets very upset when she hears it. I really don’t think it’s that innocent.
BTW, no, I don’t have another wife. My Mexican wife, Imelda, is the only one.
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
Slang as you know has a way of expression, which can go several ways. Since Mames, I believe is slang for “suck,” correct me if incorrect, I thought when a guy tells another playing around or otherwise, “No Mames pinchi,” he’s like saying stop sucking up, equivalent of stop begging. I’ve been out of the loop for awhile, but vaguely, I don’t know why, but it seems to surface this way. Maybe someone else will chime in.
Not important, just a guess, I guess…
+ + + + + + +
esperanza
I think that, with slang this base, it’s best to take it to PM for further discussion. The phrase is not something you use in mixed company, and this forum is definitely mixed company.
https://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
Esperanza, your vigilance is recognized, and since it was just a matter of clarity being pursued, not meaning to offend anyone, I’d rather just forget the whole thing and move-on. Quit frankly I just don’t see it as that important.
+ + + + + + +
shoe
Esperanza and Oscar2;
I believe that the subject of this forum is Learning Spanish. I do not believe that much should be avoided especially if a expression is mentioned and not fully explained. Vulgar or not, a expression might be mentioned that is bad for some company but how does someone know if it is not explained fully on the forum?
PM is certainly not the way to try and teach a group of people that are Learning Spanish.
We are supposed to be adults and should be able to discuss almost anything.
I still have am not sure what the subject phrases mean and if or when I would/should use them or be offended by them.
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
We are supposed to be adults and should be able to discuss almost anything.
I concur. However, when you have to get ensnarled in a moralistic, holier than thou bandwagon, it gets a bit much and fringes on a type of hypocrisy which polarizes, becomes negative and one just wants to distance themselves from it.
Your point is well made and yes, curiosity does play into this and we should handle it like knowing adults who have been around the block a time or two.
Mexican colloquialisms/slang if you will can be and many a times is bent on general situational circumstances and interpretation. For example, I couldn’t find the word “mame” in my Mexican dictionary. This morning I asked my Mexican gardener what are some ways the phrase No Mame is used and he said it’s situational. For example, one guy can say to another friend kiddingly, “No Mame’s pinché.”
The word pinche, according to the dictionary simply means, “I puncture.” The gardener said it means, “don’t kiss ass you jerk.” Now since Mame is supposed to be some derivative of suck, I guess that can also mean, “Stop sucking up you jerk.” Alternatively, can also mean, “Stop begging or don’t beg.” Sycophant and/or obsequious also seems like a close match.
Clarification should be simple, straightforward and un-embarrassing, if dealt with, as you mentioned, like mature adults and we’ve all been on this planet long enough to not find this surprising. Now, what my ears have heard from others in the course of time may be different for others but then again, isn’t it, such is life…
(This post was edited by Oscar2 on Apr 29, 2008, 10:08 AM)
+ + + + + + +
esperanza
Geez louise, you guys. OK, here goes:
Mamar literally means ‘to suck’. However, a literal meaning and colloquial usage are two entirely different things.
Consider that una mamada is a blow job–to suck off. ‘No mames’ really has no literal translation. It definitely does not mean ‘to suck it up’. You could translate it to mean, ‘stop sucking me off’. Some namby-pamby dictionaries would say, ‘stop jerking me around’.
OSCAR: you wrote, “No mame’s pinché.” It should read, “No mames, pinche.” No apostrophe on mames, no accent mark on pinche.
This is DEFINITELY NOT something you would say to anyone in polite society. If I ever hear any of you say it, I will smack your knuckles with a ruler.
Everybody satisfied?
https://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
Why thank you Esperanza, that was illuminating and also a bit refreshing. Not only that, its my ol’Espe, kicking back into action and shooting from the hip ……. Laugh
One last question: since the dictionary with a hyphen on pinche (which I forgot how to put the hyphen on without going back to night school) means “I puncture” does the rough and tumble, John Wayne, Pancho Villa, Zapatas lexicon of disturbing words, also mean “jerk?” or there abouts?
+ + + + + + +
sioux4noff
OK, Aunt Esperanze, we will watch our mouths. Don’t want you coming after us with a bar of soap.
Thanks for the concise explanation. And rest assured I do not use those expressions.
+ + + + + + +
esperanza
At any rate, here in Mexico, pinche only means one thing. It’s pretty much the equivalent of “god damn”. Mi pinche suegra (my gd mother-in-law), la pinche CFE (the gd electric company).
Pinche is another word that you don’t say in polite society.
NOTE: I have been reminded that pinche also means lowest-rung-on-the-ladder kitchen assistant.
https://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com
+ + + + + + +
Rolly
My friends tell me pinche is roughly equivent to the non-sexual use of f**king. As is “Dónde estan mis pinche llavas.” or Pinche tránsito. etc. It ain’t polite.
Rolly Pirate
+ + + + + + +
esperanza
That too.
https://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com
+ + + + + + +
Oscar2
Quote
“Dónde estan mis pinche llavas.” or Pinche tránsito.
Yes, I’ve heard those expressions before and pinche can also be interpreted in the mamby-pamby dictionary as “damn.” Least we forget, not politically correct amongst polite company …….. enough I’m drowning! Laugh
+ + + + + + +
robrt8
No mames is being used much more the the younger generation, especially in the D.F. It’s not uncommon to hear it between male and female teens.
I say it in a joking way to guys who I’m VERY familiar with. One can also say no manches to play on mames.
It could mean any of the following and more:
You’ve got to be kidding.
Stop pulling my leg.
Stop messing with me.
No Way!
+ + + + + + +
tashby
¡Hijole!
Drunken, Sailor! Talk to us like a drunken Sailor!
+ + + + + + +
shoe
Thank you all for the better explanations. Now I might be able to understand when someone is insulting me and I can watch what I say.
“Mixed company” usage of words and actions like these is not necessary although I am at fault, from time to time, as much as the next person. Once I had a guy that worked for me complain about another guy who harassed a waitress while they were on a trip and he was embarrassed and upset about it. Both guys worked for me in a major company, so I had the waitress interviewed by a local manager in the town 2500 miles away. She remembered the incident and was not too happy about it as the guy had touched her inappropriately and used inappropriate language. I called the guy who had done it in and asked him his version. He just laughed it off and said it was nothing. I explained there had been a complaint, it was something and I lowered his level and pay so he could remember that not only are women to be respected but males too. This little incident only cost him $12,000 a year. It took him a three years to get back his level. He paid for the rest of his working life at that company as he could never recoup the money lost as raises were based on a percentage of base pay.
FAQs
Why do Mexicans say no mames? ›
What does no mames mean? No mames is crude Spanish slang used to express disbelief (both positive and negative) or excitement. Used especially among Mexican Spanish speakers, the exclamation corresponds to “No way!”, “You're kidding me!”, or “Stop messing with me!”.
What does no Mames wey mean in slang? ›No mames guey is a Mexican Spanish term that has a variety of meanings, including "no way," "shut up," and "you idiot." It can be used as an interjection or as a response to someone who has said something foolish. Takedown request | View complete answer on quora.com.
What is the difference between no mames and no manches? ›"No Manches!", which literally translates to "Don't Stain!", is arguably the most popular slang phrase used in Mexico. The phrase derived from "No Mames!," which translates to "Don't Suck!," and "No Manches!" evolved as a more mellow way of saying the same thing.
Is no mames way offensive? ›No mames (literally means 'don't suck it') is one of the most ubiquitous Mexican swearwords.
What does chingon mean? ›(Mexico, colloquial) an intelligent, skilled, capable person. (Mexico, colloquial) someone or something cool, awesome, very good. (Mexico, colloquial, vulgar) a tough, uncompromising, or intimidating person.
Do Mexicans say wey? ›Güey (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈwei]; also spelled guey, wey or we) is a word in colloquial Mexican Spanish which is commonly used to refer to any person without using their name.
What does no me manches mean? ›Phrase. no manches. (Mexico, informal) don't screw around, stop joking, stop being silly synonyms ▲ ¡No manches! ― Shut up!
What does Aye wey? ›1. ( colloquial) (used to express surprise or amazement) (Mexico) Woah! ( colloquial) ¡Ay, güey!
Is Guey vulgar? ›Modern conversations in Mexico are frequently interspersed with the word “güey” —pronounced “way”— which means several things and, just as often, nothing. The word it derives from buey—that means ox, and was in finer times considered vulgar and insulting when applied to anyone.
Can you call a girl Guey? ›As noted, güey is informal, so it wouldn't be appropriate in business or other formal contexts. Between friends (both male and female), güey is a friendly term to refer to someone without using their name. But güey can also be wielded as an insult.
What is Mexican slang for friend? ›
camarada
The word camarada (comrade), can be used practically in every Spanish-speaking country to refer to your friends and pals, informally.
Hi. Well, “no manches” isn't a bad word, but, is a way to say “seriously?”, “really?”, “are you kidding me!” and other like these, even feelings like surprise, angry, happiness and other (depends on what context it's told).
Is Que Onda rude? ›Que onda in Spanish is a way friends and family welcome each other in an informal situation. Remember, if you're using que onda as a greeting, it should be with someone you already know or in a casual scenario. Que onda is not acceptable in formal or elegant situations.
Why do Mexicans say Orale? ›Órale is a common interjection in Mexican Spanish slang. It is also commonly used in the United States as an exclamation expressing approval or encouragement. The term has varying connotations, including an affirmation that something is impressive, an agreement with a statement (akin to "okay"), or to signify distress.
What is Manches? ›ˈmänch. plural manches or maunches. archaic : sleeve sense 1a. especially : a hanging sleeve. : a heraldic charge consisting of a sleeve with a long pendent lap worn in the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries.
What is a Chingona girl? ›Chingona- a Spanish slang term meaning “bad ass woman” Although the word “chingona” is a Spanish term, it is not limited to Latinas. A chingona is any woman who chooses to live life on her own terms.
What is a female Mexican called? ›mexicana {f} female (also: Mexican)
What is Mexican slang for cool? ›Chido/a
Chido/a is a Mexican adjective meaning “awesome” or “cool”. It's used the same the way you would use guay in Spain. For example: Es un vato chido – He's a cool guy!
Carnal. Literally means “brother,” but as with “bro” in English, it's used to refer to good friends, too. María, te presento a mi carnal. María, this is my bro.
Is Buey an insult? ›Go anywhere in Mexico City and you can hear someone calling someone else “guey,” which means “ox” or “slow-witted.” The word, also spelled buey, once was an insult, but it has morphed over years of popular use to become Mexico's version of “dude” or “bro.”
What does al huevo mean? ›
Ahuevo is a slang expression used by Mexican speakers to express “yes” or “of course.” Compa is an informal Mexican word that can mean anything from friend to pal to buddy. As a result, 'ahuevo compa' can be translated as 'of course, buddy,' or 'yes, buddy. '
What does jacksus mean in Spanish? ›noun. foolish or stupid person. jackass → burro; idiota.
What does Puchi mean in Spanish slang? ›puchi [m] BO:E. excrement. Colloquial.
What does Orale Vato mean? ›It can be used as a form of greeting like 'What's up. ' Mexican Americans often use the phrase 'órale vato,' which means 'what's up, man. ' The word 'vato' is northern Mexican slang words for man.
What is Spanish slang for lazy? ›Flojo/a. Flojo/a is quite informal, but in many Spanish-speaking countries, it's probably the word you'll hear the most for “lazy” in Spanish. What is this? The word floja is widely used in both Latin America and Spain, and all Spanish speakers will understand it.
What is Mexican slang for hey dude? ›Oye güey. This Mexican Spanish slang greeting means "hey dude". Güey, meaning "buddy", "mate" etc., is often used as a filler word in conversations in Mexico.
What is Spanish slang for dude? ›Wey – “Dude”
Let's start with the most common Mexican slang term. Wey means “dude” when talking to friends. It can also be used to call someone a “bro”, or, in general, refer to a guy. Sometimes you'll see it spelt güey, but it's pronounced the same and means the same thing.
Couples use them everywhere throughout Latin America and Spain. Mi amor – my love Page 3 Mi corazón– my heart/sweetheart (similar to “my love” in English) Cariño/a– darling/sweetheart/honey Querido/a – dear Mi vida– my life.
What do Hispanics call their girlfriend? ›Chica – Girlfriend / Girl
Depending on the context, this expression can be translated either as 'my girl' or 'my girlfriend'. 'Chica' can be used either as a way to call your girlfriend or as a way to refer to her when talking to others.
The formal title used to greet people is 'Señor' (Mr) for men and 'Señora' (Ms) for women. This is followed by one's surname.
What do you call your Mexican crush? ›
- Mi alma – My soul.
- Mi amada, amado – My loved one.
- Querida, querido – My dear.
- Tesoro, mi tesoro – Treasure, my treasure.
- Luz de mis ojos – Light of my eyes.
- Luz de mi vida – Light of my life.
- Mi luz – My light.
- Amor de mi vida – Love of my life.
Verga - Mexican
This is a useful swear word to add spice to your Mexican conversations. It means 'f*ck' although it can be brought into play to mean 'awesome.'
Pinche. Straight out of Mexico, this is one of the most common swear words used there. It's the add-on word for just about every swear word you can imagine. Pinche this, pinche that.
Why do Mexicans say Mija? ›Literally meaning “my daughter,” mija is used as a familiar and affectionate address to women, like “dear” or “honey,” in Spanish.
Why do Mexicans say Don in front of names? ›In the old times, just like today, referring to someone as Don/Doña before the last name is considered as an underestimation. Today, in Guatemala and in Latin America, using this honorific title (Don & Doña) is common for most people. Regardless of any cultural or economic background. It is way to show respect.
What words can only Mexicans say? ›- Pendejo. One of the most used slang words in Mexico is calling someone a 'pendejo'. ...
- Güey. Güey, sometimes spelled in the way it is pronounced as 'wey', means “mate” and is used all the time in Mexican Spanish. ...
- Chido & Padre. ...
- Cabrón. ...
- Buena Onda. ...
- La Neta. ...
- Pinche. ...
- Crudo.
Güey (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈwei]; also spelled guey, wey or we) is a word in colloquial Mexican Spanish which is commonly used to refer to any person without using their name.
What is considered rude to Mexicans? ›Don't show signs of discomfort, which would be considered rude by your Mexican counterpart. Mexicans often "hold" a gesture (a handshake, a squeeze of the arm, a hug) longer than Americans and Canadians do. Don't stand with your hands on your hips; this signifies anger.
Why do Hispanic last names end with EZ? ›the -ez suffix
It is suprising the number of Spanish surnames end in ez. This is because it means "son of", like the suffix -son and -sen in many German and Scandinavian languages. In Portuguese the -ez becomes a -es.
The two surnames names are ancestral, with the father's family name followed by the mother's family name.
Why do Mexicans have 4 names? ›
Mexicans have a personal name(s) followed by two surnames – the father's paternal family name and then the mother's paternal family name. For example: Hector Marίa GONZALEZ LÓPEZ.
What do Mexicans call girls? ›Instead of using muchacho or muchacha or niño or niña, try out the Mexican slang term for “boy” or “girl,” which is chango or changa.
What is Mexican slang for trashy? ›Naco/naca: Trashy, new rich, tacky.
What is slang for Mexican guy? ›Güey (also spelled “wey”)
Güey translates roughly to “dude” or “man” in Mexico.
- “I'll have a Tecate, please.”
- “Le voy al América.” (I support Club América [a Mexican football team].)
- “I'm American.”
- “I love South America!”
- “Una quesadilla sin queso, por favor.” (A cheeseless quesadilla, please.)
- “I love burritos!”
- “Do you speak Mexican?”
- Nachos.
- taco salad.
- Fajitas with sour cream on the tortilla.
- bowl of chili con carne.
- smothered burrito.
- queso with chips.
- chimichanga.
In Mexico, if there is a septic tank, it is probably far smaller than those in the United States—especially if it is in rural areas. Therefore, flushing toilet paper in Mexico would require the septic tank to be cleaned more frequently.