Mexican Slang & Expressions
What does “¿Qué onda?” mean?
“What’s up?” / “¿Cómo estás?”
What’s the famous Mexican dish made with chocolate and chili?
Mole poblano
What’s one way both cultures show affection or friendliness in conversation?
Using nicknames or slang like mijo/mija, güey, ñaño, or amigazo.
In Ecuador, what mountain range influences much of the country’s history and traditions?
The Andes Mountains
Ecuadorians say “¡Bacán!” — what does that mean?
Cool, awesome, or great
What does “Aguas!” mean when someone suddenly yells it in the street?
“Watch out!” (Literally “waters,” but it’s a warning), dude!
Ecuador’s national soup made with fish, yuca, and onions is called what?
Encebollado
What do “güey” (MX) and “ñaño/ñaña” (EC) have in common?
Both mean “bro,” “friend,” or “sibling” in casual talk.
What ancient civilization built Teotihuacán’s Pyramids of the Sun and Moon in Mexico?
The Aztecs
In Ecuador, what does “¡Chévere!” mean?
“Cool” / “Nice” / “Genial.”
If someone in Mexico says “¡Qué chido!”, what are they saying?
“That’s cool!” or “Awesome!”
In both countries, corn (maíz) is key. Name one corn-based drink from each.
Mexico: Atole or Champurrado / Ecuador: Colada morada.
How do greetings differ between both cultures?
Mexico: handshake or hug with close friends; Ecuador: kiss on the cheek, even when meeting new people.
What’s Ecuador’s national dance, often performed at festivals in the Andes?
Sanjuanito
Ecuadorians often say “De ley” — what feeling does it show?
Agreement or certainty: “Of course!” / “Definitely!”
In Mexico, “¿Mande?” is used when someone calls you. What does it mean?
“What?” or “Yes?” — a polite way to respond instead of “¿Qué?”
What Ecuadorian holiday dish is made from roasted guinea pig?
Cuy asado.
What national symbol connects both countries’ flags?
The eagle — in Mexico’s flag and Ecuador’s coat of arms.
What does the word Ecuador literally mean in English?
“Equator” — it’s named after its location on the equator line!
In Ecuador, if someone says “¡Qué bestia!”, are they calling you an animal?
No! It means “Wow!” or “That’s crazy!” — it can be good or bad depending on tone.
If your friend says “Estoy crudo,” what does that mean after a party?
They’re hungover
Both countries celebrate All Souls’ Day differently — what food is typical in each?
Mexico: Pan de muerto / Ecuador: Guaguas de pan and Colada morada.
Which Mexican slang phrase means “Let’s go!” and what’s Ecuador’s version?
Mexico: ¡Vámonos! or ¡Órale! / Ecuador: ¡Vamos, ñaño!
Both countries have deep Indigenous roots. What is one Indigenous language still spoken in each country?
Mexico: Nahuatl / Ecuador: Kichwa (Quechua)
What does “¡Fresco!” mean when someone tells you after a small mistake?
“Don’t worry about it!” / “It’s all good!”