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New Mexico Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

New Mexico Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

Big 7 Travel Team |
North America

If you’re spending some time in the state, you will want to know these New Mexico slang words to help you speak like a local. From great road trips to tasty burgers, as well as enjoyable cities like Albuquerque, this is a state you will want to get to know a whole lot better.

Here are 7 New Mexico Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

‘ABQ’ or ‘Q’ = Albuquerque

1. ‘ABQ’ or ‘Q’ = Albuquerque

Short for Albuquerque.



LA = Los Alamos

2. LA = Los Alamos

LA usually means Los Angeles. But in New Mexico, this means someone is discussing Los Alamos, where Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is located.



“Red, green, or Christmas?” = Chile pepper

3. “Red, green, or Christmas?” = Chile pepper

If you’re asked this in a restaurant, the server means do you want red chile, green chile, or both (Christmas!) on your food.



“A la maquina!” = Shock

4. “A la maquina!” = Shock

A popular term to use in place of an expletive when expressing astonishment.



Duke City = Albuquerque

5. Duke City = Albuquerque

Yep, it’s another name for Albuquerque!



‘Topes = Albuquerque Isotopes

6. ‘Topes = Albuquerque Isotopes

The Albuquerque Isotopes are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League.



Land of mañana = Doing it tomorrow

7. Land of mañana = Doing it tomorrow

Things move a little slower in New Mexico, and it’s pretty common to put things off until tomorrow!

Spending time in the state? Check out The Most Instagrammable Spots In New Mexico.



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