![]() However, the modern meaning of vato is “ that guy,” “ pal,” or “ buddy.” It’s a Spanish term originating from the language used to label gang members and informants. The expression “ vato” refers to a person displaying shady or criminal behavior. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Hopefully next time you hear the word ‘ vato’, you’ll be able to work out its meaning through context.Are you looking for a word to describe someone that looks like a gang member? You could call them a “ vato” to bring people’s attention to their shady looks and behavior. Obviously be very careful when using this one! ‘ Pinche vato’ (or ‘f***ing guy’) is a very common interjection in Mexico. ¡ Ese vato me debe una lana desde hace años! This one translates to ‘that dude’ or ‘that guy’. Wey, hay un vato loco gritando en la calle yo creo que está pedísimo.ĭude, there’s a crazy guy screaming in the street I think he’s really drunk. This one literally means ‘crazy dude’ and it´s the perfect way to describe that wild friend who parties like a madman, or that unique guy that always comes up with the wackiest ideas! To pronounce this word correctly, just divide it into two syllables:Ĭommon phrases / expressions with ‘ vato’ Vato loco Be sure to check out our article on ‘ de’ vs ‘ del’ if you wanna find out more! We can liken it to the way some Mexicans call their fathers ‘jefes’ (or ‘chiefs’), or to the expression ‘old man’ in English.ĭaniela – Entonces, ¿podrás ir a la fiesta del* viernes?ĭaniela – So, can you come to the party on Friday?Įrika´s note – ‘ del’ is the union of ‘ de’ with the definite article ‘ él’. On the other hand, you may also hear people in Spain refer to their dads as ‘batos’. The only reason that idiot doesn’t lose his head is because it’s glued to his neck. Natalia – Oh, Majo, don’t tell me you like him. María José – Do you know Miguel? How is he? Ese bato solo no pierde la cabeza porque la trae puesta. Natalia – Ay, Majo, no me digas que te mola. María José – ❼onoces a Miguel? ¿Sabes cómo es? It normally refers to someone who’s maybe not the sharpest knife in the drawer. ![]() Particularly in the northern states of Mexico, you’ll hear people refer to younger men as ‘vatos’, kinda similar to the way people use ‘lad’ in English.Ībuelo – A ver, vato, pásame la caja de herramientas.Īs I explained at the beginning of this article, the word ‘bato’ in Spain often has a bit of a negative undertone. To describe a young man or teenager (Northwest Mexico) *Erika’s top tip – ‘a mí también’ is a great way to say ‘me too’ in Spanish. ![]() Ivan – Dude, it’s nice to see you too! How have you been? Iván – ¡Wey, a mí también* me da gusto verte! ❼ómo has estado? Pedro – I’m next to a guy in a yellow jacket, you can’t miss it.īut ‘vato’ isn’t only used to describe strangers … in Mexico a ‘ vato’ can also be your pal, your best friend, or your ‘bro’.ĭos amigos se encuentran después de un largo tiempo Pedro – Estoy junto a un vato de chamarra amarilla, no hay pierde.Īndrés – Have you arrived yet? Where are you? I can’t see you. Una llamada telefónica dentro del aeropuertoĪndrés – ¿Ya llegaste? ❽ónde estás? No te veo. ‘Vato’ can be used in the same sense as ‘dude’ or ‘guy’ when describing an unknown man in casual conversation. When referring to an unknown man (Mexico)
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