Ever had a friend ask you how a new movie was, and it wasn't terrible, but it definitely wasn't great either? In English, you'd probably just shrug and say "meh." Or maybe someone brings up a piece of petty drama, and you just want to brush it off with a quick "whatever."
In Mexico, we have a perfectly punchy little word for that exact feeling: Equis/X/Ekis.
It is one of the most versatile and heavily used slang words in Mexican Spanish. Whether you're describing a boring date, brushing off a mistake, or just trying to avoid drama, "equis" is your best friend. Let's break down how to use it like a true local.
Why the letter X?
Think back to high school algebra. In math, "X" is the ultimate generic variable. It could be anything, which means it has no specific identity. It's unremarkable.
Sometime in the late 90s and early 2000s, Mexican youth—particularly the fresa crowd—grabbed onto this concept and made it a staple of everyday conversation. If a guy is "equis," he's just some random guy. If a party is "equis," it's totally forgettable.
Today, it has crossed all social boundaries. You'll hear everyone from teenagers to grandmas using it to brush things off.
How to use "Equis" in real life
This word basically has two main jobs in Mexican Spanish. It works as an adjective to describe something mediocre, and it works as an interjection to say "whatever" or "never mind."
Here is how you'll actually hear it on the streets of Mexico City:
"¿Cómo estuvo la fiesta?" "Pues, muy equis."
Translation: "How was the party?" "Well, pretty meh/average."
"Ay, equis, no le hagas caso a ese güey."
Translation: "Oh, whatever, don't pay attention to that dude."
"La neta, la comida del restaurante estaba súper equis."
Translation: "Honestly, the food at the restaurant was super average."
"Me canceló de última hora, pero equis, me quedo a ver Netflix."
Translation: "He canceled on me at the last minute, but whatever, I'll stay in and watch Netflix."
Variations you need to know
Because we Mexicans love to play with our language, "equis" has spawned a few iconic phrases of its own.
"Equis somos chavos"
This is a legendary Mexican phrase. Literally, it means "Whatever, we're kids." You use it to justify making a dumb mistake, spending too much money on a night out, or making a questionable life choice. Even if you're 45 years old, you can still shrug, take a shot of tequila, and say "equis, somos chavos."
Texting: Just "X"
When you're texting your friends on WhatsApp, you almost never spell out the whole word. You just type the letter. If your friend texts you apologizing for being 10 minutes late, you just reply: "X, no te preocupes" (Whatever, don't worry).
Tips for sounding natural
To really nail this expression, it's all about the attitude. "Equis" requires a sense of total detachment. When you say it, you should feel your shoulders drop a little bit.
If you want to go full retro-Mexican slang, you can even cross your index fingers to make an "X" shape while you say it. It's a bit dramatic and very 2005, but people will absolutely love that you know the gesture.
Want to practice using expressions like this in real conversations? Ahorita drops you into interactive stories where you'll use them naturally — like ordering at a taquería or chatting with locals. It's the perfect way to test out your slang before hitting the streets.
So next time you make a tiny grammar mistake while speaking Spanish, don't sweat it. Just tell yourself "equis," order another chela, and keep practicing!
