Meaning of "Acapulco en la Azotea"

Quick Answer
  • Acapulco= a Mexican city on the Pacific Ocean
  • azotea= rooftop

This fun Mexican modismo(idiom) owes its existence to two words that carry a lot of weight in Mexican culture: Acapulco and azotea. Let's take a look at why!

Acapulco

Located in the state of Guerrero, Acapulco has long been a favorite weekend destination for chilangos(natives of Mexico City) looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City for a weekend of sun and sand. It was also a popular destination for Hollywood royalty during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, when celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis could be found strolling Acapulco's white sand shores.

Azotea

In Mexico, many buildings have flat rooftops good for all sorts of things: growing a rooftop garden, washing and drying clothes, hanging out with friends, or catching a few rays!

Acapulco en la Azotea

So now that you know a bit more about Acapulco and azotea, let's get to the heart of the matter - what does Acapulco en la azoteamean? While it can be literally translated as Acapulco on the rooftop, in essence it refers to any instance of lying around and soaking in the sun on the cheap - whether on a rooftop, by the pool, or in the yard - and often involves a cold drink, lawn chair, and even a kiddie pool! It's also often used to tease friends or co-workers who show up with a tan after the weekend, especially if you know they never left town! Let's take a look at some examples:

examples
Estás bronceado. ¿Te fuiste a la playa? - Jaja, no, puro Acapulco en la azotea.
You're tan. Did you go to the beach? - Haha, no, it's just a rooftop tan.
Hace un buen de calor. Hay que aplicar el Acapulco en la azotea, ¿no?
It's super hot. We should get a little at-home resort going, don't you think?