The Mexican Corridos Tumbados Dictionary: 15 Terms and Expressions You Should Know

‘Tirando barrio’, ‘la clika’, ‘paro’... what do these words mean in the universe of corridos?

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Corridos tumbados, a musical genre that has burst onto the music scene with unmatched force, is redefining the landscape of Mexican regional music. This genre, which combines elements of rap, trap, and norteño music, has captured the attention of an increasingly broad audience, both in Mexico and around the world, with its raw language and carefree lifestyle.

In fact, the term «tumbado» refers to the relaxed and indifferent attitude that characterizes the vast majority of artists in this genre. Their lyrics, often centered on street life and drug trafficking, offer an uncensored view of the reality experienced by many young people on both sides of the border.

Natanael Cano
Natanael Cano performs during the ARRE Fest 2023 at Foro Sol on September 9, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. Jaime Nogales/Medios y Media/Getty Images

Many international artists are also falling for the popularity of corridos tumbados, and their popularity cannot be denied, nor can their impact on popular culture. Mexican young stars like Natanael Cano, Junior H, Peso Pluma, and Fuerza Regida, among others, have accumulated millions of streams on streaming platforms, demonstrating the massive appeal of this genre.

‎Peso Pluma and Junior H perform at the Coachella Stage during the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 12, 2024 in Indio, California. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella

With this increasing fame in the industry, interest in learning more about its culture has also grown. Therefore, after creating our first reggaeton dictionary, now we leave you here a list of 15 terms related to it that are commonly referenced in the songs of these corridos.

  • Fierro: A word utilized to refer to firearms.
  • Chota: This term is employed to refer to the police.
  • Plebe: Employed to refer to a girl or woman.
  • Buchón: A person who ostentatiously displays their wealth, often in an extravagant manner.
  • Tirando Barrio: This term refers to representing or showing pride for the neighborhood or community where one grew up.
  • La Clika: Refers to the group of close friends or the inner circle of a person.
  • Chida: It is a colloquial term used to describe something that is cool or impressive.
  • Chamba: This term is utilized to refer to work or employment.
  • Paro: Refers to a party or celebration.
  • Firme: It is a colloquial term used to describe something that is great or impressive.
  • Chale: It is an expression used to show disapproval or disappointment.
  • Cuate: This term is employed to refer to a friend or companion.
  • Ponerse Trucha: Refers to the action of opening one’s eyes, realizing, and knowing things as they are.
  • Jalar: Although in Mexico this word has many meanings, in the context of corridos tumbados it is interpreted as stealing, among other things.
  • Super Güera: It also has other meanings, but in corridos it refers to a semiautomatic pistol.

And you, did you know any of these terms?