It’s always helpful to know a few words in “español,” especially when you’re out celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Besides, nothing makes a Gringo look more Mexican than speaking a little Spanish slang—except for maybe a fake mustache and a sombrero. Remember, however, that Spanish—especially the slang—varies from region to region, and while some words mean one thing in Mexico, they may mean something else entirely in another Spanish speaking country.

We’ll start with an easy one:

Cerveza (sair-vay-suh)
Spanish for beer. “Una cerveza, por favor”. Just about everyone who has ever traveled South of the Border has used this phrase at one time or another.

Corona (koe-roe-nuh)
Spanish for crown, but also the most popular Mexcian beer. “Una Corona, por favor”.

Cruda (crew-duh)
Mexican for hangover. “Tengo una cruda de la chingada”. I should never have taken that last Tequila shot (or the one before it, for that matter) on top of all those Coronas.

Gastritis (gas-tree-tees)
Heartburn. “Tengo gastritis”. I should never have eaten all those Nachos (or the Macho Burrito) on top of all those Tequila shots and Coronas.

Vomitar (voe-mee-tar)
I’m sure you can figure that one out. “Vomité Tequila, cerveza, Macho Burrito y Nachos esta mañana”. Kneeling before the altar de porcelana is universal.

Menudo (men-oo-dough)
Tripe soup that is often considered a way to “curarse la cruda,” or cure your hangover. “Prefiero fumar mariguana o tomar otra Corona que comer menudo”. I’d rather smoke marijuana or drink another Corona than eat menudo.

Mota (moe-tah)
Mexican for marijuana. Note: mota does not mean marijuana in Colombia.

Gallo (guy-yo)
Traditionally rooster, but also Mexican slang for a marijuana cigarette. “Ando buscando un gallo”. In some cases, you may be given a live, male chicken, which would not be a good cure for a hangover.

Pollo (poe-yo)
Traditionally chicken, but also Mexican slang for loogie. “Después de fumar tanta mota, tuve que sacarme un pollo”.

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