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rasca means shabby / worn-out — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 25, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

rasca

adjective • /[RAS-kah]/

shabby / worn-out

Example:

Mi vieja silla está rasca.

My old chair is shabby.

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🧠 What does rasca mean?

Rasca is a Mexican slang adjective meaning "shabby," "worn-out," "rundown," or "cheap-looking." It's used to describe things, not people. Think of clothes with holes, a car with peeling paint, or furniture that's seen better days.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese carro está bien rasca.
    That car is really beat-up.
  • Compré una mesa rasca en el mercado.
    I bought a shabby table at the market.
  • No uses esa camisa tan rasca.
    Don't wear that worn-out shirt.
  • Mi celular ya está bien rasca, necesito uno nuevo.
    My cellphone is really run-down; I need a new one.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'shabby / worn-out' in Spanish?
There are many ways! Besides 'rasca,' you could say 'desgastado,' 'viejo,' 'gastado,' 'deteriorado,' or 'hecho una pena,' depending on the nuance you want.
How do you pronounce 'rasca' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'RASS-kah,' with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'rasca' in a sentence?
Use it before the noun you're describing, just like you would in English for words like 'shabby' or 'old.' For example, 'una casa rasca' (a shabby house).
What is the English translation of 'rasca'?
The best translation is usually 'shabby' or 'worn-out,' but it can also mean 'rundown' or 'cheap-looking.'
Does 'rasca' change for gender or number?
No, it stays the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
Is 'rasca' common in everyday Spanish?
It's quite common in informal Mexican Spanish, but you're less likely to hear it in other Spanish-speaking countries or in formal situations.
Does 'rasca' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is 'shabby,' it can sometimes be used playfully or affectionately to describe something old and loved, rather than simply being critical.
Is 'rasca' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Rasca' with this meaning is primarily Mexican slang. While other Spanish-speaking countries might understand it, they're likely to use different words to express the same idea.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "rasca"

Synonyms: desgastado, viejo, gastado, deteriorado, hecho una pena
Opposites: nuevo, elegante, lujoso, impecable

💡 Did You Know?

While 'rasca' means 'shabby' in Mexico, it can have other meanings in other contexts. For example, in some places, 'rascar' can mean 'to scratch' or 'to scrape,' and 'rasca' can refer to a lottery ticket.

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