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/Sounds like "TEH" (as in "ten") + "LOH" (as in "loan") + "LAH" (as in "lava") + "bahs" (as in "bar")/

Meaning

In Mexico, a casual goodbye between tight friends that literally means "go wash yourself." It sounds rude to anyone outside the circle, but between real buddies it is pure warmth. Only say it to someone who already knows your sense of humor, or it will land completely wrong.

Examples

Sale carnal, te lo lavas, ya viene el camión.

Alright bro, catch you later, the bus is coming.

Nos vemos el viernes, te lo lavas, y trae botana.

See you Friday, take care, and bring snacks.

Regional synonyms
Bandera de Estados Unidos
Al rato vato

/Sounds like "TEH" (as in "ten") + "LOH" (as in "loan") + "LAH" (as in "lava") + "bahs" (as in "bar")/

Meaning

A casual and affectionate way to say goodbye to very close friends in Mexico. It sounds odd or even aggressive out of context, but among tight friends it signals pure warmth and trust. Definitely not something to say to someone you just met.

Examples

Alright, I'm heading out, take care, see you later.

See you later, man, take it easy.

Regional synonyms

/Sounds like "TEH" (as in "ten") + "LOH" (as in "loan") + "LAH" (as in "lava") + "bahs" (as in "bar")/

Meaning

The most Mexican farewell there is. It literally sounds like an insult but it is pure affection between close friends. If someone says this to you, it means they trust you enough to joke around with you freely. A total stranger hearing it would be deeply confused.

Examples

I'm heading out, gotta be up early tomorrow. See you!

See you Friday, take it easy!

Word family
Regional synonyms
Bandera de Cuba
Chao pescao

Showing 3 definitions, sorted by votes

In Mexican popular speech, to die or kick the bucket. Comes from "petate," the palm mat traditionally used to wrap the bodies of the poor. A blunt, street-level euphemism for death.