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Rojo is the Spanish word for red, but in Mexican slang it can also mean broke or "out of money". Learn how native speakers use it in real life.

📅 Published: October 20, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

rojo

adjective • /[ROH-hoh]/

red / broke

Example:

¡Estoy rojo! No llego a fin de mes.

I'm broke! I can't make it to the end of the month.

🧠 What does rojo mean?

While 'rojo' typically means 'red' in Spanish, in Mexican slang it can also mean 'broke' or 'having no money.' Think of it like being 'in the red' financially. It's casual and friendly, used with people you know well.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Estoy rojo! ¿Me prestas para el almuerzo?
    I'm broke! Can you lend me some money for lunch?
  • Me quedé rojo después de pagar la renta.
    I was left broke after paying the rent.
  • No puedo ir al cine, ando rojo.
    I can't go to the movies, I'm broke.

🌎 Where is this slang used?

  • 🇲🇽 Mexico: Very common in casual speech. You will hear "andar rojo" or "estar rojo" among friends, classmates, and family.
  • 🇪🇸 Spain: Only the color meaning is used. If you say 'ando rojo' in Spain, people may not understand the slang meaning.
  • 🌎 Latin America: In most other Latin American countries, "rojo" is understood as a color. The slang meaning is not widespread.
  • 🇺🇸 U.S. Spanish: Among Mexican communities in the U.S., "andar rojo" is understood, especially in informal conversations.
Only in Mexico: The slang meaning of rojo as “broke” is strongly tied to Mexican Spanish. In most other places, people will just hear “red”.

🤝 Related slang for “being broke”

  • andar sin lana — to be broke (Mexico)
  • estar tronado — to be totally broke / busted (Mexico)
  • andar corto de dinero — to be short on money (general)

🧩 Grammar forms of “rojo”

Rojo follows the regular Spanish adjective pattern. Its forms change depending on gender and number:

  • rojo — masculine singular
  • roja — feminine singular
  • rojos — masculine plural
  • rojas — feminine plural

Tip: The slang meaning (“broke”) is almost always used in the masculine singular: andar rojo, estar rojo. It’s very rare to hear “estoy roja” with the slang meaning.

🗣 How people actually use “rojo”

In Mexican Spanish, "andar rojo" shows up in everyday jokes about money — after paying rent, after a weekend out, or at the end of the month. It sounds relaxed and self-deprecating, not dramatic.

🇬🇧 Similar expressions in English

  • "I'm broke."
  • "I'm in the red right now."
  • "I'm short on cash."
  • "I'm tapped out until payday."

🇪🇸 Explicación breve en español

En México, "andar rojo" es una forma informal y cariñosa de decir que alguien no tiene dinero en ese momento. No se usa en contextos formales.

💬 Mini dialogue with “andar rojo”

— ¿Vamos al cine hoy?

— Want to go to the movies today?

— No puedo, ando rojo.

— I can’t, I’m broke.

— No te preocupes, yo invito esta vez.

— Don’t worry, I’ll treat you this time.

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'red' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'red' in Spanish is 'rojo'.
How do you pronounce 'rojo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'RO-ho', with the 'j' sounding like the 'h' in 'hello'.
How do you use "rojo" in a sentence?
In standard Spanish: 'El coche es rojo' (The car is red). In Mexican slang: 'Estoy rojo' (I'm broke).
What is the English translation of "rojo"?
The primary translation is 'red.' In Mexican slang, it can also mean 'broke'.
Does "rojo" change for gender or number?
Yes. 'rojo' → masculine singular, 'roja' → feminine singular, 'rojos/rojas' → plural forms.
Is "rojo" common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'rojo' is very common as a color word. The slang meaning appears mainly in Mexican Spanish.
Does "rojo" have slang or double meanings?
Yes, in Mexican slang it can mean "broke" or "without money".
Is "rojo" used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The slang meaning of "rojo" as "broke" is primarily used in Mexico. In Spain and most of Latin America it simply means "red".
Is the slang "rojo" considered rude or offensive?
No, it is informal but not rude. It sounds friendly and casual, like joking about being broke with friends.
Can I use "rojo" slang in a job interview or with my boss?
Better not. In formal or professional situations, use neutral expressions like "no tengo dinero" or "no me alcanza".

📝 Quick check

In Mexican slang, what does "andar rojo" mean?

  • To be very angry
  • To be broke / without money✓
  • To be sunburned
  • To be embarrassed

📜 Origin & slang background

The slang meaning comes from the financial phrase "estar en números rojos" (to be in the red). In everyday Mexican speech this was shortened to "andar rojo" to talk about being broke.

💡 Did You Know?

The expression 'ver rojo' (to see red) is used in Spanish just like in English, meaning to become enraged.

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