Lael logo

barro means mud / acne — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 27, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

barro

noun • /[BAH-rroh]/

mud / acne

Example:

Se embarró de barro.

He got covered in mud.

🔍 See more mexican slang words

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store

🧠 What does barro mean?

Barro generally means "mud" in Spanish. However, in Mexican slang, it's commonly used to refer to acne or pimples. Think of it as referring to the blemishes as little spots of "mud" on your skin. While understood throughout Mexico, it's considered informal.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Tengo mucho barro en la cara!
    I have a lot of acne on my face!
  • Me salió un barro enorme en la frente.
    I got a huge pimple on my forehead.
  • Ese barro se ve feo.
    That zit looks bad.
  • No te toques el barro, que se te va a infectar.
    Don't touch the pimple, it'll get infected.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mud / acne' in Spanish?
The standard word for 'mud' is 'lodo,' and for 'acne' it's 'acné.' However, 'barro' is common slang for 'acne' in Mexico.
How do you pronounce 'barro' in Spanish?
It's pronounced BAH-rroh, rolling the 'r' slightly.
How do you use 'barro' in a sentence?
In Mexico, you could say "Tengo un barro en la nariz" (I have a pimple on my nose). Elsewhere, "El carro se atascó en el barro" (The car got stuck in the mud) is the more common usage.
What is the English translation of 'barro'?
It translates to 'mud' generally, but in Mexican slang it means 'acne' or 'pimple'.
Does 'barro' change for gender or number?
No, 'barro' stays the same regardless of gender. For plural, you would say 'barros' (muds/pimples).
Is 'barro' common in everyday Spanish?
As 'mud,' yes. As slang for 'acne,' it's common in Mexico but less so in other Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'barro' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, it has the slang meaning of 'acne' in Mexican Spanish.
Is 'barro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While understood as 'mud' everywhere, its slang use for 'acne' is particularly Mexican.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "barro"

Synonyms: lodo, cieno

💡 Did You Know?

While "barro" might seem like a strange word for acne, think of how we sometimes say "blemishes" or "spots" in English - similar concept!

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store