Learning any language is hard, yet probably one of the most entertaining ways to do this is to learn how to make people laugh. Spanish has a rich culture with many expressions that can lighten the mood, bring a smile, or leave you scratching your head in confusion. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to impress your buddies, here are 10 funny Spanish phrases you absolutely must learn.
1. “¡Me pica el bagre!”
Literal translation: The catfish is biting me.
Meaning: I’m starving.
This quirky phrase means that someone is very hungry. It doesn’t mean there’s an actual catfish involved—it’s just a funny way to say your stomach is growling!
2. “Estás como una cabra.”
Literal translation: You’re like a goat.
Meaning: You’re a bit crazy.
If someone in Spain tells you that you’re like a goat, just don’t take it too seriously. It’s an ironic, softened way of saying you’re acting a bit wild or eccentric—basically that you’re crazy, but in a fun way!
3. “No tener pelos en la lengua.”
Literal translation: Not to have hairs on your tongue.
Meaning: You’re straightforward.
When someone “doesn’t have hairs on their tongue,” it means they say everything without reservation. It’s a weird image, but the phrase describes someone who has the refreshing characteristic of speaking bluntly—even if it sometimes comes off as a bit too direct.
4. “Tirar la casa por la ventana.”
Literal translation: To throw the house out of the window.
Meaning: To go all out.
When someone “throws the house out of the window,” it means they are spending on something without holding back any expenses or efforts. Whether it be throwing a party or going on a spending spree, this just means that they will do everything possible and not hold themselves back.
5. “Ponerse las pilas.”
Literal translation: Put in the batteries.
Meaning: Get energized or start working hard.
When someone asks you to “put in the batteries,” it means to get moving, get focused, or step up your game. This is as if someone is telling you to “charge up” and get things going.
6. “Dar calabazas.”
Literal translation: To give pumpkins.
Meaning: To reject someone.
In Spain, when someone “gives you pumpkins,” it’s not a fall treat—it means they’ve turned you down, often in a romantic context. A fun—and maybe slightly sad—way to say you’ve been rejected.
7. “Estar en la luna.”
Literal translation: To be on the moon.
Meaning: To be daydreaming.
If in English your head’s in the clouds, in Spanish you’re “on the moon.” This catchphrase refers to a person who is distracted, lost in thought, or simply oblivious to whatever happens around them.
8. “Ser pan comido.”
Literal translation: To be eaten bread.
Meaning: It’s a piece of cake.
Much as we say something is “a piece of cake” in English, or easy, in Spanish it would be “ser pan comido.” It’s a simple task, so simple that it’s as easy as eating bread!
9. “Estar como un queso.”
Literal translation: To be like cheese.
Meaning: To be attractive.
In Spain, if someone says you’re “like cheese,” it’s a compliment! This cheesy phrase means you are looking particularly good. A charming, if slightly funny, way to flatter someone.
10. “Más vale tarde que nunca.”
Literal translation: Better late than never.
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Okay, this one isn’t uniquely funny, but it’s a universal truth with a catchy twist in Spanish. It is always better to show up or get something done late than not to do it at all. Also, you will sound wiser saying it in Spanish!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re going on a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just looking to improve your speaking, these humorous phrases will not only help you learn but also give you a great topic of conversation. The humor and wit in these expressions make engaging with the culture a lot of fun. So go ahead and ponte las pilas—get energized—and use these funny Spanish phrases in your conversations!
