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poncho means raincoat / outcast — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 1, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

poncho

noun • /[PON-choh]/

raincoat / outcast

Example:

Compré un poncho de lluvia.

I bought a rain poncho.

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🧠 What does poncho mean?

While 'poncho' traditionally refers to a sleeveless garment worn for protection from rain, in Mexican slang, it takes on a completely different meaning. It's used to describe someone who is socially awkward, an outcast, or generally disliked. Think of someone who's always left out, the last one picked for the team – that person might be called a 'poncho'. It carries a negative connotation and can be considered somewhat offensive, so use with caution.

📚 Extra examples

  • No invites a Juan a la fiesta, es un poncho.
    Don't invite Juan to the party, he's a poncho (a social outcast).
  • Se quedó como poncho en la lluvia, sin amigos.
    He was left like a poncho in the rain, without friends (completely alone and abandoned).
  • Pobre Toño, siempre es el poncho del grupo.
    Poor Toño, he's always the poncho of the group (the outcast).

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'raincoat / outcast' in Spanish?
The traditional word for 'raincoat' is 'impermeable'. 'Outcast' can be translated as 'marginado', 'excluido', or 'paria'.
How do you pronounce 'poncho' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'PON-cho', with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'poncho' in a sentence?
As slang, you might hear it used like this: 'No le hables, es un poncho' (Don't talk to him, he's an outcast).
What is the English translation of 'poncho'?
It depends on the context. It can mean 'raincoat' (the garment), or in Mexican slang, 'outcast', 'socially awkward', or 'unpopular'.
Does 'poncho' change for gender or number?
No, it stays the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'poncho' common in everyday Spanish?
The traditional meaning (raincoat) is common. The slang usage is more specific to Mexican Spanish and might not be understood everywhere.
Does 'poncho' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as explained, in Mexican slang, it refers to a social outcast.
Is 'poncho' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'poncho' generally only refers to the garment. The slang meaning is primarily used in Mexico.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "poncho"

Synonyms: marginado, excluido, paria, inadaptado
Opposites: popular, aceptado, integrado

💡 Did You Know?

The slang usage of 'poncho' likely stems from the image of someone alone and exposed in the rain, similar to a solitary poncho.

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