New Mexico is more than just a desert landscape dotted with sagebrush-it’s a vibrant crossroads of Native American, Hispanic, and Western cultures. Whether you’re strolling through historic Santa Fe, savoring fiery green chile in Albuquerque, or taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Land of Enchantment proudly weaves its heritage into everyday life. If you want to sound like you’ve been a local for ages, these 18 slang terms will help you speak the language of New Mexicans in all their fiery, flavorful glory.