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/Sounds like "hah" (as in "hard") + "RAH" (as in "rapper") + "beh" (as in "bed") + "DEH" (as in "debt") + "PEE" (as in "pea") + "koh" (as in "coat")/

Meaning

Empty talk with nothing behind it. The person giving you jarabe de pico makes big promises and delivers absolutely nothing. Used in Spain and Mexico for anyone whose words far outpace their actions.

Examples

His speeches are pure hot air, he never actually does anything.

Don't fall for that salesman's smooth talk, it's all empty promises.

Word family
Regional synonyms

A bad flu or heavy cold in Mexico and Colombia with the full package of symptoms. When you get a gripa, it's coughing, runny nose, fever, body aches, and feeling like you got hit by a truck.