In Mexican Spanish, there are numerous colorful and informal ways to say "drunk," reflecting the country's rich linguistic diversity. While the standard Spanish word for "drunk" is borracho (feminine borracha), which is widely understood and used in Mexico—for example, "He was drunk" translates to "Estaba borracho"—Mexican Spanish also boasts a rich array of informal and colorful slang terms.
Common Mexican Slang Terms for Drunk
Here are some of the most common Mexican slang terms for being drunk, along with their nuances and typical usage:
| Slang Term | Nuance/Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Borracho / Borracha | Standard Spanish for "drunk" (masculine/feminine); widely used in Mexico. | Estaba borracho después de la fiesta. (He was drunk after the party.) |
| Pedo | A very common, highly informal, and versatile slang term for "drunk" in Mexico. | ¡Está bien pedo! (He's really drunk!) |
| Tomado / Tomada | A more polite or euphemistic term, meaning "tipsy" or having had a few drinks. | Parece que está un poco tomado. (He seems a bit tipsy.) |
| Jarro / Jarreado | Informal; often implies being very drunk or on a drinking binge. | Después de tantas cervezas, ya estaba jarreado. (After so many beers, he was already drunk.) |
| Puesto / Puesta | Informal; can mean drunk or high, depending on context. | Se puso bien puesto anoche. (He got really drunk last night.) |
| Ebrio / Ebria | More formal, meaning "inebriated." Often used in official or more serious contexts. | Fue detenido por conducir en estado de ebrio. (He was arrested for driving while inebriated.) |
Expressions for Being Extremely Drunk
Mexicans also use various vivid expressions to describe someone who is extremely drunk or "wasted":
- Hasta las chanclas: Literally "up to the flip-flops," meaning completely wasted or passed out drunk.
- Hasta la madre: An extremely informal and strong expression, literally "up to the mother," indicating being absolutely wasted or fed up. Context is crucial as it can also mean "fed up."
- Hasta el tronco: "Up to the tree trunk," another way to say someone is extremely drunk.
- Hasta el gorro: Similar to the above, implying being completely drunk.
- Andar con la jarra: To be on a drinking binge or consistently drunk.
It's important to note that the usage and specific nuance of these terms can vary slightly by region and social context within Mexico. When in doubt, borracho is always understood, while terms like pedo are best reserved for informal settings among friends.
