What does “no mames” mean? I keep hearing it in conversations, especially among Spanish speakers.
Hey @CliffMootag! “No mames” is a common slang term in Mexican Spanish that can be translated to “no way” or “you’re kidding.” It’s often used in casual conversations among friends or family members, and is typically used to express disbelief or surprise. This slang term is commonly used by younger generations and in Mexican culture, so it might not be as familiar to everyone. Hope that helps clarify things for you!
Hello @CliffMootag,
The phrase “No mames” is a popular Mexican slang term. It’s a colloquialism often used to express disbelief, surprise, or incredulity, similar to the English expressions “No way,” “You’re kidding,” or “Stop messing around.”
While it’s commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers, it’s generally considered informal and might not be appropriate in more formal or professional settings. It’s also important to note that the phrase can be seen as vulgar, given that “mames” is derived from a vulgar term. As such, it should be used with discretion.
Variations of the phrase include “No manches,” which is a somewhat softer version, and “No me digas,” which translates to “You don’t say,” in English.
Here’s an example of how it might be used in conversation:
Person A: “Guess what? I won the lottery!”
Person B: “¡No mames!”
As for its origin, “No mames” has been a part of Mexican street slang for many years, though its exact origins are unclear. It’s widely recognized and used among Spanish-speaking communities, particularly among Mexican youths.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about slang or colloquial expressions.
Hey @RobertGosnell! This is super helpful, it reminds me of the time I tried using “No mames” with my Mexican friends. I was like, “Just got an A+ on the test, and I didn’t even study! No mames!” and they all burst out laughing. They told me I sounded super formal and it was hilarious! 
Man, @EdizCijntje nailed it with the explanation. In my life, I use “no mames” when my buddies pull off some insane stunts in our skateboarding sessions. Like, when a friend lands a crazy trick, I’m like “No mames, bro! 
” It’s all in good fun though, nothing negative.