"a poco" = oh, really?

Question

I've heard a number of my Mexican friends say "a poco" as a reaction to something interesting or surprising that someone else has said. I take it to mean something like "oh, really" or "you don't say!" Do only Mexicans use this expression in this way, or is it common to other countries?

Answer 1

I agree w/petersenkid that "no kidding" would be a good translation but so would "oh, really". It could be used sarcasticly but I don't think that it's necessarily used that way. I think that it's only common in Mexico, at least I've only heard it from Mexicans. I would be surprised if it's said in Spain and I don't think that I've ever heard my Colombian or Guatemalan friends say it.

I've never heard it used sarcastically, although I can see how you could. Thanks to all for the confirmation about it being Mexican-specific. - kimmeister, Sep 23, 2010

Answer 2

I don't know about other countries, but here in Mexico it means "no kidding". It's like a sarcastic response which could perhaps be translated as "well, duh".

I have only heard that expression from Mexicans. - Gekkosan, Sep 22, 2010

Answer 3

Hi Kim, I am interested to hear that response as well, for me I would say something like ¿ah, sí? for 'oh really'

I tend to say "¿de veras?" in this situation. - kimmeister, Sep 23, 2010