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

📅 Published: January 27, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

ñoño

adjective • /[NYO-nyo]/

nerdy

Example:

Ese niño es bien ñoño.

That kid is super nerdy.

🧠 What does ñoño mean?

Ñoño is a Mexican Spanish slang adjective used to describe someone who is excessively studious, a bookworm, or overly focused on academic pursuits to the point of being perceived as uncool or socially awkward. It can imply someone who is meticulous, particular, or perhaps even a bit timid due to their intense focus on learning or rules. While often used humorously or affectionately, it can also carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of broader social engagement or a perceived deficiency in more worldly skills or interests.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi hermano es muy ñoño, siempre está leyendo o estudiando en lugar de salir con amigos.
    My brother is very nerdy; he's always reading or studying instead of going out with friends.
  • La maestra de matemáticas era un poco ñoña, solo le importaban las fórmulas.
    The math teacher was a bit nerdy, she only cared about formulas.
  • Se reían de él porque era el más ñoño de la clase, pero luego él les ayudó con la tarea.
    They laughed at him because he was the nerdiest in class, but later he helped them with their homework.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'ñoño' is particularly prevalent in Mexico and is often used with a mix of affection and mild teasing. Its origins are somewhat debated, but it has become a firmly established part of Mexican colloquial vocabulary.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñoño"

Synonyms: nerd, geek, bookworm, studious, academic, pedantic, fussy
Opposites: cool, popular, laid-back, adventurous, social

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'nerdy' in Spanish?
In Mexican slang, 'ñoño' is used to mean 'nerdy'. Other more general terms exist, but 'ñoño' specifically captures this nuance in Mexico.
How do you pronounce 'ñoño' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'ñoño' is roughly NYO-nyo. The 'ñ' sound is similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon'.
How do you use 'ñoño' in a sentence?
'Ñoño' is an adjective, so it describes a noun. It typically follows the noun it modifies and agrees in gender and number, although in common usage, the singular masculine form is often used generally. For example, 'un chico ñoño' (a nerdy boy) or 'una chica ñoña' (a nerdy girl).
What is the English translation of 'ñoño'?
The most common English translation of 'ñoño' is 'nerdy'. It can also be translated as 'bookish', 'studious', or 'dweeby', depending on the context and the specific shade of meaning intended.
Does 'ñoño' change for gender or number?
As an adjective, 'ñoño' does change to agree with the noun it describes. The masculine singular is 'ñoño', the feminine singular is 'ñoña', the masculine plural is 'ñoños', and the feminine plural is 'ñoñas'.
Is 'ñoño' common in everyday Spanish?
'Ñoño' is quite common in everyday spoken Spanish, particularly in Mexico. Its usage is more informal and characteristic of regional slang.
Does 'ñoño' have slang or double meanings?
While 'ñoño' is primarily slang and its core meaning relates to being nerdy or overly studious, its connotation can sometimes border on being overly fussy, pedantic, or even a bit immature or childish, depending on the context and the speaker's intent. It's generally understood as a lighthearted, though sometimes critical, descriptor.
Is 'ñoño' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Ñoño' is predominantly a Mexican slang term. While some other Latin American countries might understand it due to cultural exchange, it is not a standard or widely used adjective in Spain or many other parts of Latin America for the meaning of 'nerdy'.

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