17 Hilarious Sayings You’ll Only Hear in New Mexico

New Mexico has its own way of doing things—and that includes how people talk. The Land of Enchantment is a rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions, which gives rise to some of the most unique, funny, and downright charming phrases you’ll ever hear.

Whether it’s about the food, the weather, or daily life, New Mexicans have a way with words that outsiders just might not get. Here are 17 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in New Mexico—along with what they really mean.

1. “Red or green?”

Translation: Which chile do you want with that?
And yes, it’s chile—not chili. This is the official state question. Your answer says a lot about you.

2. “Christmas, please.”

Translation: I’ll take both red and green chile.
Because why choose one when you can have both? This one gets tourists every time.

3. “It’s a dry heat.”

Translation: It’s 105 degrees, but I’m pretending that makes it better.
Spoiler alert: You’ll still sweat. But it’s not as sticky as a Texas summer.

4. “I’ll be there ‘manana.’”

Translation: Maybe tomorrow… or not.
This laid-back approach to time can mean “tomorrow” or just “eventually.”

5. “You want a sopaipilla with that?”

Translation: Prepare to be blessed with deep-fried dough heaven.
In New Mexico, it’s not dessert until someone brings you a sopaipilla with honey.

6. “Don’t trust the weather—it’ll snow, rain, and melt in one day.”

Translation: Four seasons in 24 hours is just another Tuesday.
Layers are your best friend in New Mexico.

7. “My grandma makes better chile than that.”

Translation: You tried, but you’re no abuela.
A true New Mexican will judge your cooking based on how it compares to their grandma’s.

8. “Where’s the hatch?”

Translation: This chile better be from Hatch, or we’re gonna have a problem.
Hatch chile is a statewide obsession—and it’s serious business.

9. “That road’s washed out—but take the arroyo.”

Translation: The riverbed is your detour now.
Yes, people actually drive through dry riverbeds like it’s normal. Until it rains.

10. “That’s just a dust devil, keep driving.”

Translation: That mini-tornado isn’t a big deal unless it flips your hat.
New Mexicans are strangely chill about wild weather.

11. “Watch for elk, cows, and aliens.”

Translation: The road signs aren’t joking.
Only in New Mexico will you get warning signs for wildlife and extraterrestrials.

12. “Green chile goes on everything.”

Translation: Yes, even pizza, burgers, eggs, and possibly ice cream.
If you disagree, you’re clearly not from here.

13. “It’s not spicy—it just has flavor.”

Translation: You’re sweating because you’re weak.
To a New Mexican, spicy food isn’t hot—it’s just properly seasoned.

14. “That chile’s got a kick today.”

Translation: It’ll melt your soul, but in a good way.
Every batch is different, and some are out for revenge.

15. “That’s not a mountain—that’s a hill.”

Translation: Unless it’s over 10,000 feet, it doesn’t count.
Growing up surrounded by the Rockies changes your standards.

16. “We don’t do daylight saving here.”

Translation: We let the sun do its thing. You adjust.
New Mexico doesn’t like time changes, and honestly, who can blame them?

17. “That’s just a spirit passing through.”

Translation: You heard something weird—don’t worry, it’s probably a ghost.
With centuries of history, New Mexico takes its spirits seriously (but not too seriously).

New Mexico has its own rhythm, its own flavour—literally and linguistically. These sayings may sound strange at first, but spend a little time in the state, and they’ll feel like second nature. They’re part of what makes New Mexico special: a mix of humour, tradition, and a whole lot of green chile.

If you ever hear someone say “Christmas, please,” just know you’re in the right place—and probably about to eat something amazing.

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