Tasty Sayings

Mexico's colorful dichos are the cheeky cousins of common sense. Sayings are spirited expressions that have been handed down through the ages, marinating in the minds of generations.

Mexicans have an uncanny knack for finding humor in life’s absurdities; it’s like we have a sarcasm compass built right into our collective DNA. We laugh in the face of adversity with a pinch of double meaning here and a dash of irony there. We’ve mastered the art of self-mockery, and it’s this irreverent insight that keeps us in check, binds us together, and encourages us forward.

In this article we're diving into the tasty world of Mexican sayings that use food to illustrate the national mindset. Just like salsa, where flavors come together to create an endearingly spicy mouthful, these sayings add depth and meaning to everyday situations.

Keep in mind that sayings don’t translate very well because the humor and recall are in the wording. Their charm lives in the rhythm, the rhyme, and the wink at the truth they're politely concealing. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Barriga llena, corazón contento”

Translation: Full belly, happy heart.

Few things capture the Mexican attitude towards life as simply as this. After a hearty meal, worries shrink and smiles grow because food is undounbtedly comforting. This saying makes it official: good food equals good mood. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of pozole on a chilly night or just a warm tortilla straight off the comal, satisfaction in the stomach brings contentment to the heart.

“Le echa mucha crema a sus tacos“

Translation: They put too much cream on their tacos.

This is used for people who tend to exaggerate their own merits and make themselves out to be more impressive than they really are. It’s as if they’ve embarked on a taco-making spree with the enthusiasm of a master chef, but in reality, they’ve got more toppings than filling. When someone can’t resist garnishing their life stories with extra dollops of self-praise, this phrase will remind them to take it down a notch and stay humble.

“El que nace para tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas”

Translation: If someone is born to be a tamal, the corn husks fall from the sky.

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made by wrapping corn masa and other ingredients with a corn husk before cooking. This phrase teaches us that those born with a particular calling will effortlessly find the necessary resources and opportunities to fulfill that purpose. It reminds us to have faith that the heavens will send the right gifts when we’re on the right path.

"A chillidos de marrano, oídos de chicharronero”

Translation: To pig squeals, the ears of a cook who makes pork cracklings.

This saying reminds us to turn a deaf ear to foolish words. The world-canceling noise made by chewing on chicharrones is deafening enough. Now add the utter disregard for what the pigs have to say! Our best response to futile baloney or malicious criticism can only be our most sincere indifference.

“Se quedó como el perro de las dos tortas”

Translation: They ended up like the dog with two sandwiches.

This is said to describe a person who is faced with a difficult options and can’t make up their mind on which one to choose. The two tortas, or large traditional sandwiches, symbolize desirable options or opportunities. The dog in this story can’t pick one and, therefore, loses both. This saying highlights the consequences of indecisiveness and serves to remind us not to hesitate in making timely choices, or risk losing it all.

“Del plato a la boca se cae la sopa”

Translation: Soup spills on the way from the bowl to the mouth.

This saying reminds us that even the most solid plans can crumble before completion. It’s the Mexican way of saying, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Given that life can surprise us with unexpected twists and turns, filling the spoon is not the same as eating the soup. So, do more and talk less because it’s better to serve up a hearty bowl of results than a spoonful of empty promises.

“Voy a echar un taco de ojo”

Translation: I’ll go have an eye taco.

Yes, Mexicans eat cow eyes in tacos but this phrase means something else entirely. An eye taco refers to the art of indulging in a visual feast, a secret dance between your eyes and the spectacle of attractive people passing by. No introductions, no interactions, just the pure, guilt-free enjoyment of admiring strangers. It’s a leisurely stroll through the eye-candy aisle when you’re only there to enjoy the view.

"Lo cacharon con las manos en la masa"

Translation: They were caught with their hands in the dough.

This saying paints the scene perfectly: someone caught mid-act, hands buried in the mixing bowl. It’s our version of “caught red-handed,” used when a person is discovered right in the middle of doing something they shouldn’t. A child sneaking cookies, lovers tangled in the sheets, or a politician pocketing funds, the moment is the evidence. Hard to deny the facts when your hands are covered in sticky dough.

“No se puede chiflar y comer pinole al mismo tiempo”

Translation: You can’t whistle and eat pinole at the same time.

Pinole is a pre-Hispanic ingredient made from ground cornmeal mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. It’s a nutrient-dense powder used to sweeten and thicken drinks and baked goods. But here’s the catch: pinole is dry, almost sandy, and fills your mouth completely. If you’re chewing on a spoonful, there’s no way you can whistle at the same time. This saying is a witty reminder that you can't do two mutually exclusive things at once.

Now, you too can season your life in Mexico with these saucy sayings to impress your friends. So, next time you’re in a pickle, remember life is like a tortilla. You’ve got to roll with it! May your days be filled with good company, and lots of colorful ways to keep your belly happy.