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

📅 Published: December 21, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

ruco

noun • /[ROO-koh]/

oldie

Example:

Ese ruco baila mejor que tú.

That oldie dances better than you.

🧠 What does ruco mean?

Ruco is a colloquial term used primarily in Mexico to refer to an elderly person, often with a sense of affection, familiarity, or sometimes a touch of playful irreverence. It can be used to describe someone who is older, a bit old-fashioned, or has been around for a long time. While it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being dated or out of touch, it is frequently employed in a fond or humorous manner among friends and family when referring to older relatives or acquaintances. The term is informal and should be used with caution in more formal settings.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi abuelo es un ruco, pero todavía tiene mucha energía.
    My grandfather is an oldie, but he still has a lot of energy.
  • Esa película es un ruco, tiene más de 30 años.
    That movie is an oldie, it's over 30 years old.
  • No seas ruco y prueba la música nueva.
    Don't be an oldie and try the new music.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'ruco' can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is old-fashioned or outdated, not just a person. For instance, an old song or a classic movie might be referred to as a 'ruco'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ruco"

Synonyms: viejo, anciano, mayor
Opposites: joven, nuevo, moderno

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'oldie' in Spanish?
In Mexican slang, 'ruco' is used for 'oldie'.
How do you pronounce 'ruco' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is RROO-koh, with a rolled 'r' sound at the beginning and a hard 'k' sound at the end.
How do you use 'ruco' in a sentence?
'Ruco' is typically used as a noun to refer to an older person or a thing that is old. For example, 'Mi tío es un ruco divertido' (My uncle is a fun oldie) or 'Ese coche ya es un ruco' (That car is already an oldie).
What is the English translation of 'ruco'?
The most common English translation for 'ruco' in this context is 'oldie', but it can also imply 'old man' or something that is old-fashioned.
Does 'ruco' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'ruco' is masculine singular. The feminine singular form is 'ruca'. For plural, it becomes 'rucos' (masculine plural) and 'rucas' (feminine plural).
Is 'ruco' common in everyday Spanish?
'Ruco' is quite common in everyday informal Spanish, particularly in Mexico. It is not typically used in formal or academic contexts.
Does 'ruco' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning refers to age, 'ruco' can sometimes carry connotations of being outdated or resistant to new things. It is generally understood as informal slang.
Is 'ruco' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Ruco' is predominantly a Mexican slang term. In Spain and other parts of Latin America, different words are used to refer to elderly people or things that are old.

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