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Spanish football glossary

30th September 2016 By MB Leave a Comment

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With growing interest in the Spanish game, we thought it helpful to introduce English speakers to some key Spanish footballing slang. Read, learn and enjoy (or “Esta es la mangosta muerta” as they say in Spain).

a mig toc

Literally “half a touch”. Used to describe a quick pass, but also a poor tackle or challenge for a header.

Banjo Formación

Two central defenders, two wing backs pushed up the pitch, a square four-man midfield, and a false nueve playing behind an out-and-out striker.

Carramba

Some sort of cheerful accident, e.g. when the open-top bus drives over the dropped trophy.

Cava

A “separatist” forward (one who does what he wants and ignores tactical instructions from the bench).

Chorizo Grande

An overweight player or one who returns to preseason training unfit.

Chorizo Pequeño

A player lacking in courage, particularly one who pulls out of 50:50 tackles.

Cojones

Testicles. Also name of a shopping mall in the centre of Madrid favoured by Spanish WAGs.

Don Clasico

Pep Guardiola, especially if wearing one of his slim 60s suits.

el Clasico

Matches between Barcelona and Real. Also used to describe any two Barcelona players exchanging five one-twos in a row.

Equipo de Inglés

Used to describe any Spanish team that gets knocked out of a competition on penalties.

la gente esta muy loca

The referee has gone crazy

Latella

The crossbar.

Mango

The ball.

Maracuja

“Defensively oriented”, but only ever used as an insult.

Paella

A team with a mix of players and no real star.

Paella de Cinco Minutos

A “paella” team that also lacks a coherent tactical plan or set up for a match.

Pajero

Wanker.

Pepino

A manager seeking to emulate the style of Guardiola, but with much less success.

Rioja Blanco

A player or manager who doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Suarez Suarez

Response when something happens you can neither predict or control, usually accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders.

Tapas

A player prone to small moments of artistry, but who is not a game changer or star.

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