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

📅 Published: October 10, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

frío

adjective • /[FREE-oh]/

cold

Example:

Hace mucho frío hoy.

It’s very cold today.

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🧠 What does frío mean?

While 'frío' literally translates to 'cold' in Spanish, in Mexican slang, it takes on the meaning of 'uncool,' 'boring,' 'lacking energy,' or even 'unpopular.' It can describe a person, an event, a place, or even a thing. Imagine a party with no music and no one dancing – you might say in Mexican Spanish, "¡Qué fiesta tan fría!" (What a cold party!).

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Esa canción está fría!
    That song is so uncool!
  • El ambiente en la oficina estuvo muy frío hoy.
    The atmosphere in the office was really dull today.
  • No invité a Juan a la fiesta porque es un poco frío.
    I didn't invite Juan to the party because he's a bit of a wet blanket.
  • Mi cita de anoche fue fría.
    My date last night was a total dud.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cold' in Spanish?
The standard way to say 'cold' in Spanish is 'frío.' However, remember that in some contexts, especially in Mexican slang, 'frío' can mean 'uncool' or 'boring.'
How do you pronounce 'frío' in Spanish?
It's pronounced FREE-oh, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'frío' in a sentence?
Literally, you can use it to describe temperature: 'El agua está fría' (The water is cold). In slang, you might say 'Ese tipo es frío' (That guy is uncool).
What is the English translation of 'frío'?
The literal translation is 'cold,' but in Mexican slang, it can mean 'uncool,' 'boring,' or 'lacking energy.'
Does 'frío' change for gender or number?
Yes, like most Spanish adjectives, 'frío' agrees with the noun it modifies. For a feminine noun, use 'fría' (e.g., 'la cerveza fría' – the cold beer). For plural nouns, use 'fríos' (masculine) or 'frías' (feminine).
Is 'frío' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, both the literal and slang meanings are common, particularly in Mexico.
Does 'frío' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, in Mexican slang, it can mean 'uncool,' 'boring,' 'lacking energy,' or 'unpopular.'
Is 'frío' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the literal meaning remains the same, the slang usage is more prevalent in Mexico than in Spain.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "frío"

Synonyms: aburrido, soso, desanimado
Opposites: caliente, chévere, padre, chido

💡 Did You Know?

Using 'frío' to describe a person as 'uncool' is very common in Mexican youth culture. So, pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning!

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