Definition – El mero mero is a Mexican slang expression that we use as a synonym of ‘ big boss’. As a result, it could be translated as ‘head honcho’ or ‘top dog’. Additionally, this phrase can also be translated as ‘the best’. Keep in mind that el mero mero refers to a man. La mera mera is its feminine form.
What does ‘El mero mero’ mean?
- Translation #1: It’s a synonym of ‘big boss’, ‘top dog’ and ‘head honcho’.
- Translation #2: El mero mero is also translated as ‘the best’.
How and When to Use ‘El mero mero’?
- As a synonym of ‘big boss’, ‘head honcho’, ‘top dog’ or ‘big cheese’. This slang expression is used to express that someone is the boss or has the most authority in a company or institution. Since el mero mero refers to a person with the highest authority, Spanish speakers also use it to talk in a funny way about other authoritative figures such as parents or partners. In this context, this slang expression is translated as ‘big boss’, ‘big cheese’, ‘top dog’ or ‘head honcho’.
- As a synonym of ‘the best’. This slang expression also has the purpose to describe that a person is the best at certain activities.
How to Use El mero mero
In the following sections, we’ll show you how to use the expression with some examples as well as some phrase structures that will allow you to apply this slang phrase in your conversations.
As a synonym of ‘big boss’, ‘head honcho’, ‘top dog’ or ‘big cheese’
In this context, el mero mero is used to refer to a person that has the highest authority in a company or other places. As a result, this expression is usually applied to bosses; however, Mexicans also apply it to their parents and partners.
¡Cállate, cállate! Ahí viene el mero mero Hush, hush! Here comes the big boss
Mañana tengo una junta con el mero mero de Recursos Humanos Tomorrow I have a meeting with the big cheese from Human Resources
El mero mero has a feminine form since it’s an expression meant to describe a person – which could be male or female. Here are some examples of how to use this phrase when talking about women:
¿Escuchaste que Marta es la mera mera de la compañía? Did you hear that Marta is the head honcho of the company?
Habla con tu mamá, ya sabes que ella es la mera mera de la casa Talk to your mom, you know that she’s the boss of the house
As a synonym of ‘the best’
In Mexico and El Salvador, el mero mero is also used to express that a person is the best at something or that is the best of a group of people. Here is the phrase structure that we use in this case as well as some examples.
[Person] + el mero mero + del/de la + [noun]
Polo es el mero mero de la banda Polo is the best of the band
Julián es el mero mero del equipo de natación Julian is the best on the swimming team
[Person] + el mero mero + del/de la + [noun]
Vanessa es la mera mera de la clase Vanesa is the best in the class
When wanting to express that someone is the best at something we’ll use the following structure:
[Person] + el mero mero + en + [noun]
Pablo es el mero mero en clavados Pablo is the best at diving
Lucas es el mero mero en computación Lucas is the best with computers
[Person] + la mera mera + en + [noun]
Hanna es la mera mera en español Hanna is the best at Spanish
Also be aware that, if the context is clear enough, you can use the phrase alone: by context, people can understand the activity you’re implicitly talking about.
Yo soy el mero mero I’m the best
Alejandra se cree la mera mera, pero no lo es Alejandra feels like she was the best, but she’s not
Who Can You Use ‘El mero mero’ With?
This phrase, as well as its feminine form, is a slang expression. Therefore, you only use it in informal circumstances. So for instance, when meaning ‘boss’, you can use it with your coworkers or friends to refer to another person. However, you wouldn’t use it directly with your boss.
When it’s a synonym of ‘the best’ you also apply it in informal conversations. Both meanings are widely used as long as you’re careful to apply them in the correct situation. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that ‘mero’ is a Spanish word with multiple meanings, so don’t be surprised if you hear this word in formal context or with other meanings.
Other Ways to Say ‘El mero mero’
Here are other synonyms that you can use to replace ‘el mero mero’ when needed.
- Jefe → It’s the direct translation of boss. Jefe also has other slang meanings that are very popular in Spanish.
- El mejor/La mejor → This is the direct translation of ‘the best’. As a result, you can use it in both formal and informal contexts.
- El Chido → ‘Es el chido’ o ‘Es la chida’ is another informal way to say that a person is the boss or the best at something. In Mexican Spanish, this word is very popular, that’s why I wrote this article where I explain the different meanings and uses of chido in Spanish.