Good idea to learn slang?

Question

Hi all,

I'm starting to wonder if I should spend more time learning Spanish slang. Like, I hear slang phrases every now and then but should I actually try to incorporate them when I myself talk? On the one hand it helps you sound more like a native, but then again shouldn't I get the language itself perfect before breaking it up with slang?

Aconsejad por favor.

Answer 1

Well, this next Saturday chat, there will be slang

however, we will talk about it more so that you all can understand it, not use it. I would not recommend this, as it is difficult to see when exactly we can say what...and not easy.

You will have a lot of fun hearing Ray telling us what he said to his female teacher, thinking he was just saying: hey dude! Omg, jeje

Slang is dangerous, as one word can mean one thing in one context and something completely different in another.

Answer 2

I suggest that you at least learn the meanings of the most popular slang words

Answer 3

Slang is dangerous, as one word can mean one thing in one context and something completely different in another.

Absolutely right, so I suggest you should focus on learning "standard" Spanish. You will hear slang and can learn its meaning, but until you are completely sure of your context and who you're talking to - avoid slang.

Answer 4

Hola,

Creo que es buena idea tratar de aprender todo lo que puedas.

I think that it is a good idea to learn all you can.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I would advise you to only use the slang/colloquialisms that you really know well. Modismos definitely can help you express yourself more fully, but using them incorrectly actually makes you sound less like a native, in my opinion. Definitely try to understand what you hear, and use what you know when it feels most natural.

The difficulty with Spanish slang is also that there are many, many regional variations (I think more than in English, although I could be wrong), making it hard to "sound like a native" without picking a specific sort of slang to learn. Personally, I would just keep trying to find new sources of Spanish to listen to and learn from, and pick up those phrases that work well for you.

Just my two cents (speaking of slang)