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

📅 Published: November 8, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

gacho

adjective • /[GA-cho]/

mean

Example:

Qué gacho lo que le hiciste.

That was really mean of you.

🧠 What does gacho mean?

Gacho is an adjective predominantly used in Mexican Spanish, carrying a meaning similar to 'mean', 'bad', 'unpleasant', or 'lame'. It describes actions, situations, or even objects and people that are considered unfair, poor quality, unfortunate, or generally undesirable. Its usage is informal and highly colloquial, making it a very common term in everyday conversation within Mexico.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué gacho que no pudiste venir a la fiesta!
    How bad that you couldn't come to the party!
  • Ese maestro es bien gacho para calificar.
    That teacher is really mean/strict when grading.
  • Nos hicieron una broma muy gacha.
    They played a very mean/unpleasant prank on us.
  • El servicio de ese restaurante es gacho.
    The service at that restaurant is bad/lame.
  • No seas gacho, ayúdame con esto.
    Don't be mean/unhelpful, help me with this.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'gacho' is deeply ingrained in Mexican colloquial speech and is a strong indicator of regional vocabulary. Its versatility allows it to describe a wide range of negative experiences, from a 'mean' joke to a 'bad' day or a 'lame' plan, making it an essential term for understanding everyday Mexican conversations.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "gacho"

Synonyms: malo, feo, desagradable, desafortunado, cruel
Opposites: bueno, agradable, amable, justo

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mean' in Spanish?
While 'mean' has several translations depending on context, 'gacho' is a common informal way to express 'mean' or 'bad' specifically in Mexican Spanish, often describing an unfair action or an unpleasant situation. Other terms include 'cruel' for a person, 'malo' for something bad, or 'desagradable' for something unpleasant.
How do you pronounce 'gacho' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'gacho' is GAH-choh. The 'g' is pronounced as in 'gate', the 'a' as in 'father', and 'cho' as in 'chocolate' (similar to the 'ch' in 'church'). The stress falls on the first syllable, 'GAH'.
How do you use 'gacho' in a sentence?
To use 'gacho' in a sentence, it typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun or as a predicate adjective with verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'estar' (to be). For example, '¡Qué gacho!' translates to 'How bad!' or 'That's mean!', and 'Es un plan muy gacho' means 'It's a very bad plan.'.
What is the English translation of 'gacho'?
The English translation of 'gacho' encompasses 'mean', 'bad', 'unpleasant', 'lame', 'unfair', or 'poor quality', depending on the specific context of its use in Mexican Spanish. It conveys a general sense of disapproval or negativity.
Does 'gacho' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'gacho' is an adjective and changes for gender and number to agree with the noun it modifies. The feminine singular form is 'gacha', the masculine plural is 'gachos', and the feminine plural is 'gachas'. For example: 'una acción gacha' (a mean action), 'unos comentarios gachos' (some mean comments).
Is 'gacho' common in everyday Spanish?
In Mexico, 'gacho' is very common in everyday informal Spanish. It is widely used by people of all ages in casual conversations to express dissatisfaction, describe something negative, or comment on unfair situations. However, its usage is largely confined to Mexico.
Does 'gacho' have slang or double meanings?
The term 'gacho' itself is a slang word within Mexican Spanish. Its various applications ('mean', 'bad', 'lame', 'unpleasant') are nuances of its core informal meaning rather than distinct double meanings. It consistently refers to something negative or undesirable in a colloquial context.
Is 'gacho' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, 'gacho' is primarily a Mexican colloquialism. It is not commonly used or understood in Spain or most other Latin American countries. Therefore, its usage is a distinctive feature of Mexican Spanish, and learners should be aware of its regional specificity.

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