If you're into Mexican cuisine, you're probably familiar with gorditas—those tasty fried cornmeal pockets stuffed with savory fillings. But did you know “gordita” is also a sweet nickname in Spanish? Used to describe a cute, chubby girl, it's a slang term often spoken with affection among close friends and family. In this article, we’ll dive into what “gordita” truly means, how it’s used in everyday life, and how to respond when someone calls you that.
Quick Look: What 'Gordita' Means
“Gordita” combines the Spanish words for “little” and “fat” and is often used as a loving nickname for someone who’s a bit chubby. While it can occasionally be used negatively (similar to calling someone “fatso”), it’s most often meant warmly—like saying “gordita bonita,” or “cute little chubby one.” In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word “fat” doesn’t carry the same harsh tone it might in others.
How to Understand and Use It
The Meaning Behind “Gordita”

- To an English speaker, something like “Ahhh, gordita, como estas?” (“Ahhh, fatty, how are you?”) might sound rude—but in many Spanish-speaking cultures, it’s an endearing way to show care and affection.
What Does It Mean When a Guy Calls You "Little Gordita"?

- "Welcome home, little gordita! How was your day?"
- "I love you, my little gordita."
How People Use the Word “Gordita”

- “¡Venga, gordita! No te pongas triste.” (“Come on, darling! Don't be sad.”)

- “Diga hola a mi pequeña amiga gordita y peluda, Penélope.” (“Say hello to my little fat furry friend, Penelope.”)

Is “gordita” a loving nickname?

- Tip: If the nickname makes you uncomfortable, speak up kindly: “I don’t like it when you comment on my weight, even if you mean well. Please stop referring to my body.”

- To figure out the intent, consider who’s saying it—do they usually joke meanly or treat you with care and respect?
- Tip: If it feels like a jab, try light humor: “You’d know!” or brush it off with confidence: “And proud of it!”
- If it keeps bothering you, or the person won’t stop, have a direct talk and set boundaries: “I don’t appreciate that nickname. If you keep using it, I’ll need to take some space.”
Popular Spanish Slang Terms

- Fresa/fresita: literally means strawberry; slang for someone from an upper-class, snobby background
- Toxica: used to describe someone who’s toxic
- Guay: means “cool” or “awesome” and shows excitement or agreement
- Vale: translates to “okay” or “alright”
- Cutre: refers to something cheap, tacky, or low-quality
- Currar: slang for “to work”
- ¿Qué pasa?: a casual “What’s up?”
- Tía/tío: literally “aunt/uncle,” but informally means “friend” or “buddy”
- Majo: used for someone who’s kind, nice, or attractive
- Hombre: literally “man,” but also a warm, familiar way to address someone you know