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naco means tacky / low-class — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 13, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

naco

adjective • /[NAH-koh]/

tacky / low-class

Example:

Ese corte se ve naco.

That haircut looks tacky.

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🧠 What does naco mean?

In Mexican Spanish, "naco" is a slang term used to describe someone or something as tacky, lacking in good taste, or generally low-class. It can refer to a person's appearance, behavior, or even their possessions. "Naco" carries a negative connotation and can be considered offensive, so use it with caution. While often used humorously among friends, it's generally best avoided in formal settings or with people you don't know well.

📚 Extra examples

  • Esa camisa con lentejuelas es muy naca.
    That sequined shirt is very tacky.
  • Su comportamiento en el restaurante fue un poco naco.
    His behavior at the restaurant was a bit low-class.
  • ¡Qué naco! ¿De verdad combinaste esos colores?
    How tacky! Did you really combine those colors?
  • Tiene unos gustos muy nacos en la música.
    They have very tacky taste in music.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'tacky / low-class' in Spanish?
While there are several ways to express these ideas in Spanish, "naco" is a common slang term in Mexico. Other options include "vulgar," "ordinario," "de mal gusto," "chafa" (also slang), and "cutre."
How do you pronounce 'naco' in Spanish?
It's pronounced "NAH-koh," with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'naco' in a sentence?
You can use "naco" as an adjective: "Esa película es muy naca" (That movie is very tacky). You can also use it as an exclamation: "¡Qué naco!" (How tacky!).
What is the English translation of 'naco'?
The closest English translations are "tacky" and "low-class."
Does 'naco' change for gender or number?
Yes, like most Spanish adjectives, "naco" changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For a feminine noun, use "naca," and for plural nouns, use "nacos" (masculine) or "nacas" (feminine).
Is 'naco' common in everyday Spanish?
It's common in Mexican slang, especially among younger generations. However, it's less common in other Spanish-speaking countries, where different slang terms are preferred.
Does 'naco' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning "tacky" or "low-class," the exact meaning of "naco" can be subjective and context-dependent, like many slang terms.
Is 'naco' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
"Naco" is primarily Mexican slang. While it might be understood in other parts of Latin America due to exposure to Mexican media, it's not common slang elsewhere and has different meanings in some countries.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "naco"

Synonyms: vulgar, ordinario, chafa, cutre, de mal gusto
Opposites: elegante, sofisticado, refinado, con clase

💡 Did You Know?

While often used negatively, "naco" has also been reclaimed in some contexts as a symbol of working-class pride.

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