What does equis mean in Spanish slang?

Answered by Louis Krause

In Mexican slang, the word “equis” is commonly used to express a sense of mediocrity or average quality. It is often used to describe something that is just okay, nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary. This word is derived from the letter “x,” which is how it is spelled out in full in Spanish.

When someone says “equis” in Mexico, they are essentially conveying that something is neither good nor bad, just somewhere in the middle. It can be used to describe a variety of things, such as a movie, a meal, a person’s appearance, or even an event.

For example, if someone asks you how a movie was and you found it to be just alright, you might respond with “Estuvo equis.” This implies that the movie was neither great nor terrible, just average or okay.

Similarly, if someone asks you about a meal you had at a restaurant and you felt it was nothing special, you could say “La comida estuvo equis.” This indicates that the food was decent but not particularly remarkable.

It’s worth noting that the usage of “equis” can vary depending on the context and the tone of the conversation. In some cases, it may be used more playfully or sarcastically to downplay something that is actually quite good or bad. It can also be used as a form of non-committal response, allowing the speaker to avoid giving a strong opinion.

Personally, I find the word “equis” to be a versatile and convenient slang term. It can be used in a wide range of situations to express a sense of average or mediocrity without being overly negative or positive. However, it is important to use it appropriately and consider the context in which it is being used.

To summarize, in Mexican slang, “equis” is used to describe something that is just okay or average. It is derived from the letter “x” and can be used in various contexts to express a sense of mediocrity.