Three Famous Mexican “Lies” (and Other Things I Learned While Drinking a Chela)

I’ve been living in Mexico for almost eight years now, and during that time Mexicans have generously shared with me not only their food, music, and friendship—but also their anecdotes, sayings, and very creative relationship with the truth 😄

When I was living in Puerto Juárez, a small fishing village just north of Cancún, I once met a group of fishermen who invited me for a chela (beer, in local slang). Somewhere between the second and third beer, they proudly introduced me to what they called the three most representative Mexican lies.

I’ve been thinking about them ever since. Let me know—do you have similar ones in your country?

1. “Ahorita vengo”

Literally: I’ll be right back.

In reality: I might come back… eventually.

You hear this everywhere—restaurants, shops, offices. “Ahorita” doesn’t mean now, later, or soon. It means whenever the universe feels ready. It perfectly confirms what everyone already knows: in Mexico, time flows… more slowly, more poetically, and on its own schedule.

Artist Beach House in the end of the world, perfect for nature lovers.

2. “Mañana te pago”

I’ll pay you tomorrow.

“Tomorrow” in this case may refer to an undefined point in the future, possibly in another lifetime. Strangely enough, this lie reminds me a lot of the country I come from 😂 so I’d say this one is international, not exclusively Mexican.

3. “Solo la cabezita”

Just the little head.

This one took me a few minutes to fully understand. I won’t go into detailed interpretation—but let’s just say it’s a promise that should never be taken literally. Easily the funniest one of all, and proof that every culture has its own creative shortcuts when it comes to… negotiations.

Mexican Sayings That Teach You How to Live (and Talk)

Beyond these legendary lies, Mexicans have an incredible collection of sayings and expressions—little verbal gems full of humor and wisdom.

One of my first colleagues in Tulum, Francisco (Pancho), who managed a jungle house near town, once told me after getting to know me better:

“Tú no andas por las ramas.”Literally: You don’t walk on the branches.

Meaning: You go straight to the point.

There’s a lot of truth in that—not only about me, but about cultural differences. Europeans and people from the U.S. tend to be direct. Mexicans, on the other hand, value softness, context, and sometimes going around a topic before reaching the center. Here, asking directly isn’t always the most effective way to get things done.

The saying I personally use the most nowadays is one I learned from Dr. Loren, my friend from Isla Mujeres:

“Poco a poco se llena el coco.”Little by little, the coconut fills up.

Very Mexican. It’s all about patience. Just like a coconut slowly grows and fills with coconut water, most things in life improve when you give them time.

Three More Funny Mexican Sayings (and What They Really Mean)

1. “Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.”A shrimp that falls asleep gets carried away by the current.→ Stay alert, or life will move on without you.

2. “El que tiene tienda, que la atienda.”If you own a shop, you should take care of it.→ Handle your own responsibilities—no excuses.

3. “No manches.”Literally untranslatable, emotionally essential.→ Can mean No way, You’re kidding, Seriously?, or Don’t exaggerate, depending on tone and facial expression.

Nature & Chill Apartment & Pool on long, wild and empty beach.

Final Thoughts (Before I Say “Ahorita”)

Living in Mexico has taught me many things: patience, flexibility, and never fully trusting the word “tomorrow.” These sayings aren’t really lies—they’re cultural codes, wrapped in humor, warmth, and a deep understanding that life doesn’t need to be rushed.

So if someone tells you “ahorita”, relax. Grab a chela. Poco a poco se llena el coco. 🌴🍺

And if they say “mañana”… well—welcome to Mexico.

Thank you for reading my blog to the end.

You may also be interested in:

Chuburná: The Hidden Mexican Maldives You’ve Never Heard Of

Mexicans – A Nation of Tolerance, Hospitality, and Mutual Respect

About the Author

I’m an entrepreneur and business consultant, living for the past eight years in Cancún, Mexico – a place that has become both my home and a source of inspiration. I'm a passionate traveler, yacht captain, kitesurfer, and a dedicated host, always seeking to create meaningful experiences.

I love meeting people, hearing their stories, discovering diverse cultures, and sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Helping others and supporting local animal rescue efforts are causes close to my heart – caring for homeless animals is a meaningful part of my daily life.

This blog was born out of a desire to share – knowledge, passion, and glimpses of everyday life in Mexico. I hope you find something here that inspires you.