Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Bite the bullet.
You’re the bee’s knees.
…Say what?!
The English language is full of these kinds of common yet confusing phrases. So much so, you’ve probably never really thought about the meaning behind them. You’ve always just accepted them as part of your language.
And, the Spanish language is no different. Whether you’re learning Spanish or you’d like to help your kids with their Spanish homework, you’ll love learning funny Spanish phrases.
After all, the best way to learn something new is to have fun while you’re doing it. Not to mention, your Spanish-speaking friends will be impressed with your selection of cool Spanish phrases.
Read on to learn some of the best funny Spanish sayings and how to use them.
The Best Funny Spanish Phrases
Whether you’re still trying to master common Spanish phrases or you’ve got a good handle on the lingo, it’s always enjoyable to learn funny phrases. You never know when they might come in useful either!
Here are some of the best Spanish phrases and what they mean:
Tener Dos Dedos de Frente
This phrase translates as “to have two fingers of forehead”. As you might imagine, saying someone has a small forehead is meant to imply that they aren’t very intelligent.
The English phrase “to not have much up top” is probably the closest equivalent to this. Although, as with many of these funny Spanish phrases, it sounds so much better in Spanish!
Tirar la Casa por la Ventana
Meaning “to throw the house out of the window”, this impossible task refers to spending big on a special occasion. In English, we might say that there will be “no expense spared” or that we plan to “go all out” for a big party or celebration.
In many Latin American countries, many families “tirar la casa por la ventana” for their daughters’ 15th birthday. Known in Spanish as “la fiesta de quinceanera“, it’s a big deal for the family, who will throw a lavish party to celebrate. Let’s hope your little girl doesn’t expect the same treatment when she turns 15!
Poner los Cuernos (a Alguien)
This is such a common phrase it’s unusual to hear Spanish speakers talk about infidelity any other way. Because, this phrase, which translates as “to put horns (on someone)”, means to be unfaithful to them.
It’s a strange one, but if you ever need to talk about someone cheating on someone else in Spanish, this saying will come in very handy.
Despacio que Tengo Prisa
Following the popularity of Luis Fonsi’s hit song “Despacito”, you probably already know that “despacio” means “slow” or “slowly”. But, this whole phrase translates as “slowly, I’m in a hurry”.
It might sound counter-intuitive to tell someone to slow down when you’re in a rush. But, just like the English phrase, “less haste, more speed”, this Spanish saying highlights how you’ll end up doing things faster if you slow down a little.
Tomar el Pelo
Although this phrase translates as “to take the hair”, this doesn’t refer to going bald. It actually means to make a fool of someone or to lie to them, like the English equivalent, “to pull someone’s leg”.
So, next time your kids say that they don’t have any homework or they passed their exams with flying colors, this phrase might come in useful.
Sin Pelos en la Lengua
We just learnt that “pelo” means hair, so what’s this other hair-related phrase about? Well, it translates as “without hair on the tongue”, which sounds like a good thing as a hairy tongue would be gross.
But, in this case, it describes someone who is outspoken, or unafraid to say it like it is. In English, we’d say that they “don’t mince their words” or “don’t bite their tongue”. We sure know some people like that!
Ahogarse en un Vaso de Agua
If you’re looking for funny things to say in Spanish, this is a great way to tell someone that they’re making a big deal out of nothing. The phrase translates as “to drown yourself in a glass of water” so it’s perfect to shoot down your teenage children when they’re being dramatic.
In English, we’d say that someone is “making a mountain out of a molehill”, but we think the Spanish version is more imaginative.
Ser Pan Comido
Bread, or “pan”, is often eaten several times a day in Spain and Latin America so there are a lot of phrases and sayings which mention this staple food.
This particular phrase translates as “to be eaten bread”, meaning something that’s easy. Or, as we might say in English, “a piece of cake” or “easy as pie”. Not that there’s anything easy about making baked goods, although they sure are easy to eat!
Es Mejor Pedir Perdon que Permiso
This is most definitely not a phrase you want to let your kids learn, as it means “it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission”.
Unlike a lot of these funny Spanish sayings, this one is straight-forward and without any hidden meaning. And, there’s no real equivalent in English either, which we’re sure most parents are happy about.
Me Importa un Pepino
There are other variations of this phrase but this is the PG one, which translates as “I don’t give a cucumber”. We’re sure you can think of a few similar phrases in English. But, this one of those funny Spanish sayings that you’re more likely to remember because of its quirkiness!
De Golosos y Tragones, Estan Llenos los Panteones
This saying means “cemeteries are full of sweet-toothed people and greedy people”. The message behind the phrase serves as a warning against excesses of all kinds.
Of course, it sounds much better in Spanish as it rhymes, sounding poetic as a result. But, in both Spanish and English, it’s quite a brutal way to warn people of the dangers of overindulging.
Ponte las Pilas
This common phrase throughout Spain and Latin America translates as “put in your batteries”. It’s a phrase in the imperative mood which serves as a command or instruction to “wake up”, “look alive” or “pay attention”.
If you studied Spanish in school, we’re sure there’s a good chance your Spanish teacher said it to you a few times!
Estar de Mala Leche
Just as bread, or “pan”, appears in a lot of Spanish phrases, the Spanish language is full of sayings that make references to milk, or “leche”.
This particular phrase translates as “to be like bad milk”. If you’re thinking that this doesn’t sound like a good thing, you’d be right as the phrase means to be in a bad mood.
This funny phrase could come in useful next time your boss is on the warpath as you’ll be able to warn your colleagues without your boss realizing what you’re saying. Unless, of course, your boss speaks Spanish…then he really will be “de mala leche”!
Creerse la Ultima Coca Cola en el Desierto
This is one of many cool Spanish phrases that you’ll love learning because of the fun meaning behind it. This translates as “to believe you’re the last soda in the desert”.
This saying is more common in Latin America, where all types of soda are often referred to as “Coca Cola”. And, as you might have guessed, it means you think you’re pretty special.
In English, we have some funny phrases that have a similar meaning, such as “to think you’re the bee’s knees” or “the cat’s pajamas”. But, on reflection, the Spanish version actually makes a lot more sense!
Me Pica el Bagre
This bizarre Spanish phrase translates as “the catfish is biting me”. Although we can’t say we’ve ever experienced this sensation, it means to be really hungry.
Of course, it’s not much stranger than declaring that you “could eat a horse”. Whether you’d eat a horse or not, we’re sure you’ve experienced being that hungry. So, this phrase could come in useful next time your stomach is rumbling.
Se Fue de Guatemala a Guate-peor
This is more of a modern phrase and plays on the fact that the country Guatemala ends in the word “mala”, meaning “bad”. This literally translates as “it went from Guatemala to Guate-worse”.
So, it’s a funny way of saying the similar English phrase, “to go from bad to worse”.
Funny Spanish Sayings to Impress Your Friends
As these funny Spanish phrases show, the English language definitely doesn’t have the monopoly on bizarre sayings.
And, since they’re fun and useful, it’ll be much easier to learn these phrases than it was to master Spanish verb conjugations back in school.
You might even find that you feel confident enough to try some out on a guys trip to Barcelona.
Just try not to get these sayings mixed up. Or, you might end up telling someone that their partner is cheating on them when you meant to say that they’re pulling their leg!
