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guajolota means tamal sandwich — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 11, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

guajolota

noun • /[gwa-ho-LO-ta]/

tamal sandwich

Example:

Desayuné una guajolota con atole.

I had a tamal sandwich with atole for breakfast.

🧠 What does guajolota mean?

A guajolota is a popular Mexican street food consisting of a tamal served inside a bread roll, often a bolillo or telera. This combination creates a hearty and satisfying sandwich, a common breakfast or quick meal, particularly in Mexico City. The tamal filling can vary, with common options including green or red salsa with chicken or pork, or sweet fillings.

📚 Extra examples

  • Para desayunar rápido, me compré una guajolota en la esquina.
    For a quick breakfast, I bought a tamal sandwich from the corner vendor.
  • ¿Prefieres la guajolota de salsa verde o de mole?
    Do you prefer the green salsa guajolota or the mole one?
  • Las guajolotas son una comida muy típica de la Ciudad de México.
    Guajolotas are a very typical food from Mexico City.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'guajolota' itself is believed to derive from 'guajolote,' the Nahuatl word for turkey, likely because turkeys were historically used in tamales and are native to Mexico. The sandwich form is a clever and filling way to enjoy this traditional food.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "guajolota"

Synonyms: torta de tamal

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'tamal sandwich' in Spanish?
In Mexico, the term 'guajolota' is used to refer to a tamal sandwich.
How do you pronounce 'guajolota' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is wah-ho-LOH-tah. The 'g' is hard as in 'go', the 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'cool', the 'j' is like the 'h' in 'hat', the 'o' sounds are like the 'o' in 'go', and the 't' is pronounced as in English. The stress is on the third syllable, 'lo'.
How do you use 'guajolota' in a sentence?
A guajolota can be used as the subject or object of a sentence when referring to this specific type of food. For example: 'Compré una guajolota para el almuerzo.' (I bought a guajolota for lunch.)
What is the English translation of 'guajolota'?
The most direct and descriptive English translation is 'tamal sandwich'.
Does 'guajolota' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'guajolota' is a feminine noun. For example, 'una guajolota' (a guajolota) and 'varias guajolotas' (several guajolotas).
Is 'guajolota' common in everyday Spanish?
'Guajolota' is very common in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, as a term for this specific street food. Its usage outside of Mexico would be limited or require explanation.
Does 'guajolota' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary usage, 'guajolota' specifically refers to the tamal sandwich. While slang can evolve, its established meaning is culinary.
Is 'guajolota' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Guajolota' is primarily a Mexican term. In Spain and other parts of Latin America, tamales might be known by different names or have different preparations, and the specific combination of a tamal in a bread roll might not have a dedicated, widely recognized term. A descriptive phrase would likely be used instead.

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