Fun Spanglish Phrases and How to Translate Them into English

Spanglish thrives on creativity, and its phrases often carry charm, humor, and cultural depth. Translating them into English can feel like decoding a secret code, where meaning is shaped as much by culture as by vocabulary. Here are some fun and common spanglish to english, along with tips for translating them authentically.

1. "Te llamo pa’ tras"
2. Literal translation: “I’ll call you back.”
3. The phrase uses the Spanish te llamo (“I’ll call you”) and pa’ tras (a direct borrowing of “back” from English). While “call you back” makes sense in English, the structure reveals the hybrid thinking of Spanglish speakers. A good translation simply renders it in standard English: "I’ll call you back."
4. "Voy a chequear eso"
5. Literal translation: “I’m going to check that.”
6. “Chequear” comes from “check,” adapted with a Spanish verb ending. This is easy to translate, but context matters. If it’s about verifying information, "I’ll check that" works. If it’s about inspecting an object, "I’ll take a look at that" might fit better.
7. "Estaba hangueando con mis amigos"
8. Literal translation: “I was hanging out with my friends.”
9. Here, “hanguear” comes from “hang out” and is fully integrated into Spanish grammar. The translation keeps the casual tone: "I was hanging out with my friends."
10. "No te hagas el loco"
11. Literal translation: “Don’t act crazy.”
12. While it’s not strictly Spanglish, it often appears in bilingual conversations. In English, depending on tone, it could be "Don’t play dumb" or "Don’t act like you don’t know."
13. "Vamos a hacer un party"
14. Literal translation: “We’re going to have a party.”
15. This one blends hacer (“to do/make”) with “party.” The translation is straightforward but loses a bit of Spanglish flair. Still, "We’re going to have a party" works fine.

When translating these expressions, it’s important to preserve their lighthearted, informal tone. Avoid making them too stiff in English—Spanglish lives in casual, everyday speech.

The key takeaway? Spanglish translation is less about perfect grammar and more about maintaining the cultural rhythm. Translators should honor the playfulness while ensuring clarity for English-only readers.