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zafado means crazy / wild — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 18, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

zafado

adjective • /[sah-FAH-doh]/

crazy / wild

Example:

El plan sonó zafado.

The plan sounded crazy.

🧠 What does zafado mean?

Zafado is an adjective primarily used in Mexican Spanish to describe someone or something as 'wild,' 'crazy,' 'unhinged,' or 'unrestrained.' It often refers to behavior that is unconventional, free-spirited, or slightly erratic, rather than indicating severe mental illness. When applied to a person, it suggests an individual who is spirited, perhaps a bit irresponsible, or who has peculiar ideas. The term can also describe situations or events that become disorderly or extremely lively. It originates from the verb 'zafar,' meaning 'to loosen' or 'to detach,' implying a state of being loose or unmoored from conventional norms.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese amigo tuyo es un poco zafado, siempre con planes extravagantes.
    That friend of yours is a bit wild/unconventional, always with extravagant plans.
  • La fiesta se puso muy zafada después de la medianoche, con todos bailando sin parar.
    The party got really wild after midnight, with everyone dancing non-stop.
  • A veces su personalidad es un poco zafada, pero siempre de buen humor.
    Sometimes his personality is a bit unhinged/eccentric, but always in good spirits.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'zafado' comes from the Spanish verb 'zafar', which means 'to loosen', 'to untie', or 'to escape'. This etymological connection provides insight into the adjective's meaning, as a 'zafado' person can be seen as someone who has 'come loose' from societal norms or expectations, exhibiting uninhibited or eccentric behavior. It often carries a lighthearted, playful connotation rather than a serious accusation of madness.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "zafado"

Synonyms: loco, alocado, descabellado, desenfrenado, extravagante, chiflado
Opposites: sensato, cuerdo, tranquilo, serio, juicioso, comedido

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'crazy / wild' in Spanish?
General terms include 'loco' (crazy), 'salvaje' (wild, savage), or 'descabellado' (wild, absurd, hair-brained). In Mexico, 'zafado' is a common colloquial adjective used to describe someone or something as 'wild,' 'unhinged,' or 'unconventional' in a lively or eccentric way.
How do you pronounce 'zafado' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'zafado' is 'sah-FAH-doh'. In most of Latin America, the 'z' is pronounced like an 's' sound. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'fa'.
How do you use 'zafado' in a sentence?
As an adjective, 'zafado' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'Ella es muy zafada' (She is very wild/unconventional) or 'Ellos están zafados' (They are wild/unhinged). It is often used to describe a person's character or a situation's atmosphere.
What is the English translation of 'zafado'?
The primary English translations for 'zafado' in its slang context are 'wild,' 'crazy,' 'unhinged,' 'unconventional,' or 'eccentric.' It generally implies a lively or unrestrained quality, not necessarily severe mental illness.
Does 'zafado' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'zafado' is an adjective and changes to agree with the noun's gender and number. The forms are: 'zafado' (masculine singular), 'zafada' (feminine singular), 'zafados' (masculine plural), and 'zafadas' (feminine plural).
Is 'zafado' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'zafado' is quite common in everyday conversational Spanish, specifically within Mexico. It is widely understood and used in informal contexts there.
Does 'zafado' have slang or double meanings?
The term 'zafado' itself is a slang usage derived from the verb 'zafar' (to loosen, to unfasten, to escape). In this context, its 'slang' meaning of 'wild' or 'unhinged' is its primary interpretation. The connection to 'loosened' implies someone whose screws are loose, or who has broken free from convention.
Is 'zafado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The colloquial usage of 'zafado' meaning 'wild' or 'crazy' is predominantly a Mexicanism. While the verb 'zafar' is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, this specific adjectival form with this meaning is much less common or even unknown in Spain and many other Latin American countries.

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