resaca
hangover
Pronunciation
/reˈsa.ka/
Cultural Note
Literally 'undertow' (the pull of the sea), which is a poetically accurate description of how a hangover feels — something dragging you under. Every Spanish-speaking country uses this word, making it one of the rare universal slang terms. Spanish hangover cures are an entire cultural tradition: in Spain, a 'caldo' (broth) or 'churros con chocolate'; in Mexico, 'menudo' or 'chilaquiles'; in Colombia, 'caldo de costilla.' The existence of elaborate national hangover food traditions tells you everything about how seriously these cultures take both their drinking and their recovery.
📝 Example Sentences
Tengo una resaca horrible, no debí mezclar vino con cerveza.
I have a horrible hangover, I shouldn't have mixed wine with beer.
El mejor remedio para la resaca es un buen caldo.
The best hangover cure is a good broth.