The House of Flowers: The Movie: Spanish study pack

Show 6 more expressions

estar hasta el topeto be slammed, completely overwhelmed with work

colloquial

Literally means 'to be up to the brim/limit.' Used to describe being overloaded with work or tasks. Common in everyday Mexican speech.

No puedo salir a comer, estoy hasta el tope con los reportes.I can't go out to eat, I'm completely slammed with reports.

jalar el peloto pull someone's hair (used as a playful threat between siblings or friends)

colloquial

Used literally but also carries a playful-aggressive tone in family arguments, functioning as a mild threat. The register here is affectionate-combative.

Le jalé el pelo a mi hermana cuando me escondió los audífonos.I pulled my sister's hair when she hid my headphones.

qué osohow embarrassing, what a cringe moment

colloquial

Literally 'what a bear.' Used to express embarrassment about something awkward or embarrassing, either about oneself or someone else. Very common among younger Mexicans.

Se me olvidó el nombre del cliente enfrente de todos. ¡Qué oso!I forgot the client's name in front of everyone. How embarrassing!

caer gordoto really dislike someone, to rub someone the wrong way

colloquial

Literally 'to fall fat on someone.' Used to express personal dislike of a person, not based on anything they did in the moment but on general antipathy. Common in everyday Mexican speech.

No sé por qué, pero ese tipo me cae gordo desde la primera vez que lo vi.I don't know why, but that guy has rubbed me the wrong way since the first time I saw him.

mishpachafamily (used within Jewish Mexican community contexts)

A Hebrew/Yiddish word meaning 'family,' used here in the context of Mexico's Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish community. It reflects the cultural blending present in certain Mexico City social circles.

Para ellos, la mishpacha lo es todo: las decisiones se toman en familia.For them, mishpacha is everything: decisions are made as a family.

huercokid, youngster (affectionate or mildly exasperated)

colloquial

A regional Mexican term for a young person or child, used affectionately or with mild exasperation. More common in northern Mexico but understood throughout the country.

Ese huerco no para de correr por toda la casa.That kid won't stop running all over the house.

The House of Flowers: The Movie

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary