25 Juin 20 Queer Expressions in Spanish You Should Know (and Use)

Queer Spanish slang is bold, cheeky, and full of personality. Whether you’re studying abroad, engaging with LGBTQ+ communities online, or just expanding your cultural fluency, these expressions are more than just fun—they’re tools for identity, resistance, and connection.

Spanish-speaking queer culture is rich with creative wordplay and reclaimed language. From Spain to Latin America, these phrases reflect not just humor and style, but a way of being seen. Here are 20 queer expressions in Spanish you’ll hear in queer spaces—and maybe even want to adopt yourself.

1. Devoró (“Ate”)

When someone devoró, they absolutely slayed—whether it’s an outfit, a dance routine, or a comeback.

Example: “Esa presentación… devoró y no dejó ni las migas.”

2. Sirviendo (“Serving”)

Straight from drag and ballroom influence, this means someone is serving looks, energy, or drama.

Example: “Ella llegó sirviendo alta moda, morch.”

3. Pa loca tú, calva

An iconic comeback. “You’re the crazy one, baldhead.” Sass meets genius. Based on this episode of the famous TV Show The Simpsons.

Example: “¿Yo exagerada? Pa loca tú, calva.”

4. Diva

Used to describe someone fabulous, dramatic, and totally self-aware.

Example: “Esa es diva y lo sabe.”

5. Paso que voy ardiendo

Literally “I walk burning.” When you enter a room with confidence and flair.

Example: “Entré al club paso que voy ardiendo.”

6. Morch (short for “amor”)

Queer-coded pet name—a playful twist on amor.

Example: “Vamos al brunch, morch?”

7. Perder aceite (“Leaking oil”)

Means your queerness is showing—whether intentionally or not.

Example: “Trata de disimular, pero pierde aceite por todos lados.”

8. Tener pluma (“To have a feather”)

Describes someone whose queerness is visible in how they speak, act, or dress. Often celebratory.

Example: “Me encanta que tenga tanta pluma, se nota que lo vive.”

9. Potaxie

A Gen Z favorite born from Twitter and TikTok. Refers to queer folks who are extra, proud, and unbothered. Often linked to 🥑.

Example: “Soy potaxie, con orgullo y con glitter.”

10. Tortillera

Spanish slang for a lesbian. Historically offensive, now frequently reclaimed.

Example: “Sí, soy tortillera y a mucha honra.”

11. La Queso / Laqueso

Comes from “Y la que soporte” (“and whoever can deal with it”). A funny, fearless affirmation of self.

Example: “Soy así, y laqueso.”

12. Dilo, Tata

A cheer or hype phrase meaning “Say it, queen!” Used to celebrate a dramatic statement.

Example: “Dilo, tata, dilo TODO.”

13. Mariliendre

Spanish version of “fag hag”—a cishet woman who’s part of the queer crew.

Example: “Ella es nuestra mariliendre oficial.”

14. Palomo cojo (“Limping pigeon”)

Campy old-school slang for a gay man. Still heard in older media or among older generations.

Example: “Ese palomo cojo tiene más estilo que muchos.”

15. De la acera de enfrente (“From the other sidewalk”)

A discreet way to refer to someone’s queerness, especially before queerness was openly discussed.

Example: “¿Sabes? Creo que es de la acera de enfrente.”

16. Muñecona (“All dolled up”)

Full glam, pageant style. Big hair, bold makeup, all drama.

Example: “Llegó al súper hecha una muñecona.”

17. Mariquita

One of the oldest slang terms for gay men in Spain. Still used affectionately in many communities.

Example: “Soy mariquita y orgullosa.”

18. Bollera

Common term for lesbians in Spain. Often used casually or reclaimed proudly.

Example: “Mi amiga es bollera y su novia es maravillosa.”

19. Sarasa

Joyful, flamboyant slang for gay men. Full of playfulness.

Example: “Él es muy sarasa, pero lo amamos.”

20. Yassificar (“Yassify”)

From digital queer culture—means to glam someone up with makeup, filters, and fierce attitude.

Example: “Se yassificó entera, irreconocible.”

Why Queer Expressions in Spanish Matter

These aren’t just quirky words—they’re vehicles of identity, community, and humor. In many Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ circles, language plays a vital role in creating safe spaces and expressing freedom. Whether it’s reclaiming slurs or inventing entirely new terms (laqueso, potaxie), queer language is constantly evolving.

For college students and young adults exploring life abroad or online, learning these phrases isn’t just about being “in the know.” It’s about understanding culture from within, and showing respect for lived experiences.

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