Guanabee Glossary: Te Conozco Bacalao, Aunque Vengas Disfraza’o

If you’ve ever asked a Mexican whether it’s cold enough for a chaqueta or asked a Cuban to pass a bollo at dinner, you’ll know that Latino slang terms can vary from country to country, region to region, generation to generation, a reality that often results in embarrassing situations. Guanabee Glossary is our attempt to teach you Latino slang and save you from looking like a weird-ass fool in mixed company. Enjoy it, cabrones.

te conozco bacalao, aunque vengas disfraza’o

[tay koh-nose-koh ba-cka-lah-oh a-oon-kay ven-gahs diss-frah-zah-oh]

This phrase is used when speaking to someone who is trying to disguise their true intentions and is often shortened to simply read “te conozco bacalao.” The word “disfrazado” is often shortened to the regional pronunciation “disfraza’o” for a better rhyme. And a dose of good ol’ folksy charm.

Dices que estás en dieta, pero veo que tienes manchas de chocolate por toda tu camisa. Te conozco bacalao, aunque vengas disfraza’o. 

You say you’re on a diet, but I see that you have chocolate stains all over your shirt. I know you; you can’t fool me.