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criada means servant — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 5, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

criada

noun • /[kree-A-da]/

servant

Example:

La criada preparó la mesa.

The servant prepared the table.

🧠 What does criada mean?

While the standard Spanish definition of 'criada' refers to a female domestic worker or maid, in certain Mexican contexts, particularly in informal settings, it can be used metaphorically to describe a woman who is excessively subservient, timid, or lacks initiative, almost as if she were trained to be obedient without question. This usage carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of independence or self-will. It is important to distinguish this slang usage from its literal meaning of a housekeeper.

📚 Extra examples

  • No seas tan criada con tu jefe, defiende tus ideas.
    Don't be so subservient to your boss; defend your ideas.
  • La trataron como una criada, sin darle voz ni voto.
    They treated her like a subservient person, without giving her any say.
  • En esa casa, ella actuaba como una criada, siempre sirviendo a los demás.
    In that house, she acted like a subservient individual, always serving others.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'criada' comes from the verb 'criar,' which means 'to raise' or 'to bring up.' Historically, domestic servants, especially those who helped raise children, were sometimes referred to as 'criadas' because they were intimately involved in the upbringing of the household's children.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "criada"

Synonyms: sirvienta, doméstica, empleada del hogar
Opposites: ama, patrona, líder, independiente, asertiva

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'servant' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'servant' can be 'sirviente' (male or gender-neutral) or 'sirvienta' (female). However, 'criado' (male) and 'criada' (female) also mean servant, often in a domestic context.
How do you pronounce 'criada' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'criada' is 'kree-AH-dah'. The 'cr' is pronounced like in 'crisp', the 'i' is a short 'ee' sound, the 'a' is stressed and sounds like the 'a' in 'father', and the final 'da' is pronounced as written.
How do you use 'criada' in a sentence?
In its literal sense, 'criada' refers to a female domestic worker. For example: 'La casa necesitaba una criada para ayudar con las tareas.' (The house needed a maid to help with the chores.) In its slang usage, it describes someone overly submissive: 'No seas tan criada, ten más carácter.' (Don't be so subservient; have more character.)
What is the English translation of 'criada'?
The primary English translation of 'criada' is 'maid' or 'female servant'. In its Mexican slang context, it can be translated as 'subservient woman' or 'timid girl'.
Does 'criada' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'criada' is the feminine singular form. The masculine singular is 'criado'. The plural forms are 'criados' (masculine or mixed group) and 'criadas' (feminine group).
Is 'criada' common in everyday Spanish?
The literal meaning of 'criada' as a domestic worker is understood in most Spanish-speaking countries, though the term itself might sound a bit dated or formal in some regions. The slang usage is primarily associated with Mexico and is less common in general everyday conversation outside of that context.
Does 'criada' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, in Mexican slang, 'criada' can have a double meaning, referring to a woman who is overly meek, timid, or subservient, lacking assertiveness.
Is 'criada' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'criada' is understood in its traditional sense of a female domestic servant, though terms like 'asistenta' might be more common now. The slang meaning is not typically associated with Spain. In Latin America, the traditional meaning is also understood, but the slang usage is more prevalent in specific countries like Mexico.

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