These Mexican sayings are phrases that express ideas, maxims, or observations originating from or commonly used in Mexico. For example: There is no mole if it is not ground.
Since these sayings convey popular knowledge, their meanings are almost never literal. They are understood by a community of speakers, and may not be comprehensible outside of Mexico or the region where they are used. Additionally, many of these sayings contain Nahuatlisms – words from Nahuatl adapted into Spanish. Thus, only those familiar with these terms will understand the saying’s meaning.
Examples of Mexican Sayings
- “Give the wing and eat the breast”: “Alon” refers to the wing of a bird. This saying represents the action of giving something of lesser value in exchange for something better.
- “Turkey that gets out of the corral ends up in mole”: “Guajolote” is a type of turkey and “mole” is a dish made with this animal. The saying symbolizes the idea that one should avoid causing trouble or breaking rules, as the consequences can be severe.
- “Not everyone who wears a frock coat is a leading person”: This saying advises against judging or trusting people based on their appearance.
- “From the plate to the mouth the soup falls”: This saying conveys the idea that people cannot always control what happens around them.
- “Put lots of cream on your tacos”: Used when someone excessively praises themselves.
- “To acocote new, old tlachiquero”: “Acocote” is a plant and “tlachiquero” is a person who extracts mead using a coconut. The saying emphasizes that the young should learn from the wise and experienced.
- “You cannot whistle and eat pinole at the same time”: “Pinole” is a flour used as food since pre-Hispanic times. This saying advises focusing on one task at a time, as trying to do two things simultaneously is difficult and counterproductive.
- “The best monkey drops the zapote”: “Mico” means monkey and “zapote” is a type of fruit. The saying signifies that everyone can make mistakes.
- “He who is parakeet, everywhere is green”: Indicates that certain characteristics of people remain constant, whether they are positive or negative.
- “Don’t be turning the winch because your strings get tangled”: “Malacate” is a machine used by some native Mexican peoples for sewing, and “pita” is the thread used in this machine. The saying suggests it’s better to avoid causing trouble and inconvenience.
- “Every turkey gets its Christmas”: “Guajolote” is a type of turkey. This saying emphasizes that individuals must take responsibility for their actions.
- “Whoever does wrong, the tamale rots”: “Tamal” refers to both a food and a problem or inconvenience. This saying advises against acting poorly, as the consequences can be serious.
- “You shouldn’t leave your serape at home, even if the sun is like an ember”: “Sarape” is a blanket that can also be worn as a garment. This saying highlights the importance of being aware that things are not always as they seem.
- “To give him that it is mole de olla”: “Mole” is a stew. This saying encourages doing things joyfully and without wasting time.
- “Sorrows with bread are good”: Conveys the idea that something sad is less severe when accompanied by good food.
- “The tamale is known by the leaves, which is made of butter”: “Tamal” is a meal. This saying suggests that outward appearances reveal a lot about a person.
- “The best cook burns her beans”: It points out that everyone, even those with extensive experience, can make mistakes.
- “He who is born for tamales, the leaves fall from the sky”: “Tamal” is a meal. This saying implies that life always offers opportunities for a person’s destiny to come true.
- “I eat a taco with my tongue”: Used to imply that someone has realized they’re being lied to.
- “He who sows his corn, eat his pinole”: “Pinole” is a flour used as food since pre-Hispanic Mexico. This saying emphasizes that everyone must take responsibility for their actions.