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

📅 Published: March 18, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

escuincle

noun • /[es-KWEEN-kleh]/

kid

Example:

Los escuincles juegan en el patio.

The kids play in the yard.

🧠 What does escuincle mean?

Escuincle is a colloquial and informal term used in Mexico to refer to a child or a young person. It carries a sense of familiarity and is often used with affection, though it can sometimes imply a slight degree of mischievousness or rowdiness, depending on the context and tone. The word is derived from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and has become a distinctive part of Mexican Spanish vocabulary. While it directly translates to 'kid,' its usage is more specific to Mexican cultural contexts.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese escuincle no para de correr por todo el jardín.
    That kid can't stop running all over the garden.
  • Mi sobrino es un escuincle muy travieso.
    My nephew is a very mischievous kid.
  • Los escuincles jugaban fútbol en la calle.
    The kids were playing soccer in the street.
  • Ten cuidado con ese escuincle, es muy rápido.
    Be careful with that kid, he's very fast.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'escuincle' has indigenous roots, stemming from the Nahuatl word 'itzcuintli,' which refers to a type of small dog. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe young children.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "escuincle"

Synonyms: niño, niña, chico, chica, muchacho, muchacha, crío
Opposites: adulto, anciano

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'kid' in Spanish?
The most common and neutral word for 'kid' in Spanish is 'niño' (masculine) or 'niña' (feminine). Other informal options include 'chico'/'chica', 'muchacho'/'muchacha', and regionally, 'escuincle' in Mexico.
How do you pronounce 'escuincle' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is es-KWIN-kleh. The 'u' after 's' is pronounced like the 'oo' in 'book', and the final 'e' is like the 'a' in 'about'.
How do you use 'escuincle' in a sentence?
'Escuincle' is used as a noun to refer to a child. For example, 'Ese escuincle me está volviendo loco' (That kid is driving me crazy).
What is the English translation of 'escuincle'?
The most direct English translation of 'escuincle' is 'kid'.
Does 'escuincle' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'escuincle' is typically used for both masculine and feminine children, functioning as a gender-neutral term in its singular form. The plural form is 'escuincles'.
Is 'escuincle' common in everyday Spanish?
'Escuincle' is very common in everyday spoken Spanish, but primarily within Mexico. It is not widely used in Spain or most other Latin American countries.
Does 'escuincle' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning 'kid,' 'escuincle' can sometimes carry connotations of a spirited, perhaps slightly unruly or mischievous child, similar to how 'brat' might be used in English, though usually with less negativity and more familiarity.
Is 'escuincle' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, 'escuincle' is distinctly a Mexican term. It is not commonly used in Spain, and while some Latin American speakers might understand it due to media exposure, it is not part of their everyday vocabulary.

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