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

📅 Published: January 23, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

paleta

noun • /[pa-LE-ta]/

lollipop

Example:

Me compró una paleta.

She bought me a lollipop.

🧠 What does paleta mean?

While 'paleta' can refer to a popsicle in standard Spanish, in Mexican slang, it is commonly used to describe a person who is naive, clueless, or easily tricked. This usage implies a lack of street smarts or an innocent gullibility. It is often used in informal and sometimes affectionate, though not always complimentary, contexts.

📚 Extra examples

  • No seas tan paleta, eso es una estafa.
    Don't be so naive, that's a scam.
  • Mi hermano es muy paleta y siempre se cree todo lo que le dicen.
    My brother is very clueless and always believes everything they tell him.
  • Le conté un chiste malo y se rió como si fuera lo más gracioso del mundo, ¡qué paleta!
    I told him a bad joke and he laughed as if it were the funniest thing in the world, what a naive person!

💡 Did You Know?

While 'paleta' means popsicle in many Spanish-speaking countries, its slang usage in Mexico to describe someone naive or easily tricked is quite prevalent in informal conversations.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "paleta"

Synonyms: ingenúo/ingenua, tonto/tonta, candoroso/candorosa, sencillo/sencilla, inocente
Opposites: astuto/astuta, sagaz, listo/lista, vivo/viva, malicioso/maliciosa

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'lollipop' in Spanish?
The most common word for lollipop in Spanish is 'piruleta' in Spain, or 'paleta' in many parts of Latin America, especially Mexico. However, in Mexican slang, 'paleta' has a different meaning.
How do you pronounce 'paleta' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'paleta' is pah-LEH-tah. The stress is on the second syllable, 'LEH'.
How do you use 'paleta' in a sentence?
In its slang meaning, 'paleta' is used as a noun or an adjective to describe someone who is naive or easily fooled. For example, 'Él es un poco paleta' (He is a bit naive) or 'No seas paleta' (Don't be naive).
What is the English translation of 'paleta'?
The English translation of 'paleta' can be 'lollipop' or 'popsicle' in its standard meaning. In Mexican slang, it translates to 'naive person,' 'gullible person,' or 'clueless person'.
Does 'paleta' change for gender or number?
Yes, as a noun referring to a person, 'paleta' can change for gender and number. The masculine singular is 'paleto,' the feminine singular is 'paleta,' the masculine plural is 'paletos,' and the feminine plural is 'paletas'.
Is 'paleta' common in everyday Spanish?
The standard meaning of 'paleta' (lollipop/popsicle) is very common. The slang meaning of 'paleta' is common in informal Mexican Spanish.
Does 'paleta' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'paleta' has a significant slang meaning in Mexico, referring to a naive or easily deceived person, which is distinct from its standard meaning of a popsicle.
Is 'paleta' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes. In Spain, 'paleta' primarily means popsicle. The slang term for a naive person in Spain is more likely to be 'bobo' or 'tonto.' In Mexico and some other Latin American countries, 'paleta' is widely used for popsicle and also has the slang meaning of a naive person.

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