In Mexico, various colorful and informal terms are used as slang for diarrhea, reflecting the rich and often humorous nature of Mexican Spanish. One of the most widely recognized terms, especially in the context of travel, is Moctezuma's revenge.
Common Slang Terms for Diarrhea in Mexico
Mexican Spanish features several colloquialisms to describe diarrhea, ranging from general terms for "the runs" to more specific phrases related to traveler's ailments.
Everyday Colloquialisms
These terms are commonly used in informal conversations among locals to refer to a bout of diarrhea:
- El chorro: This is perhaps the most common and direct slang term, literally translating to "the gush" or "the stream." It vividly describes the symptom and is widely understood.
- La soltura: Meaning "the looseness" or "the release," this term refers to loose stools or a general feeling of digestive upset leading to frequent bathroom visits.
- El común: Less frequently used but still understood, this term refers to "the common" ailment, implying it's a common or general occurrence of loose bowels.
Terms Related to Traveler's Diarrhea
For those visiting Mexico, specific terms are used to describe the digestive issues often experienced by travelers, which are frequently linked to changes in diet or sanitation.
- La venganza de Moctezuma (Moctezuma's revenge): This popular colloquial term specifically refers to travelers' diarrhea contracted in Mexico. It humorously suggests a form of retribution from the Aztec emperor for venturing into his land. This condition, also known as Travelers' Diarrhea, is a common ailment among visitors to certain regions.
- El mal del turista (the tourist's sickness/illness): A more general term for ailments affecting tourists, this phrase is often used interchangeably with Moctezuma's revenge when referring to digestive problems.
Understanding the Context
These slang terms are informal and are primarily used in casual settings. While direct, they are generally not considered offensive within their appropriate social contexts. Understanding these phrases can help visitors better navigate local conversations and understand the humorous side of Mexican Spanish.
Slang Terms at a Glance
For quick reference, here's a summary of common slang terms for diarrhea in Mexico:
| Slang Term | Literal Meaning | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| El chorro | The gush/stream | General informal use for loose stools |
| La soltura | The looseness/release | General informal use for loose bowels |
| La venganza de Moctezuma | Moctezuma's revenge | Specific to travelers' diarrhea in Mexico |
| El mal del turista | The tourist's sickness | General tourist ailments, often referring to diarrhea |
Practical Insights
When in Mexico, you might hear phrases like:
- "¡Me dio el chorro después de comer esos tacos!" ("I got the runs after eating those tacos!")
- "Ten cuidado con el agua, no te vaya a dar la venganza de Moctezuma." ("Be careful with the water, you don't want to get Moctezuma's revenge.")
Knowing these terms can enhance your understanding of local expressions and add a layer of cultural immersion to your experience.
