Meaning
To pretend not to notice or understand something to avoid responsibility.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in 'Madrileño' identity. It's part of the 'chulapo' culture, where being witty and slightly lazy is seen with a touch of humor. While understood due to Spanish media, many countries prefer 'hacerse el desentendido' or 'hacerse el pato'. Using 'longuis' in Mexico might mark you as someone who watches a lot of Spanish TV. The concept of 'hacerse el longuis' is a modern version of the 'Lazarillo de Tormes' behavior—the classic Spanish pícaro who survives by pretending and trickery. There is a specific social phenomenon called 'escaqueo' (dodging work). 'Hacerse el longuis' is the primary method of 'escaqueo'.
The 'S' is key
Always keep the 's' at the end of 'longuis'. It's what makes it slang. Without the 's', it sounds like you're making a mistake.
Don't use with bosses
Unless your boss is very informal, telling them 'no te hagas el longuis' could get you fired. It's quite cheeky!
Meaning
To pretend not to notice or understand something to avoid responsibility.
The 'S' is key
Always keep the 's' at the end of 'longuis'. It's what makes it slang. Without the 's', it sounds like you're making a mistake.
Don't use with bosses
Unless your boss is very informal, telling them 'no te hagas el longuis' could get you fired. It's quite cheeky!
Regional variations
If you are in Argentina, you might hear 'hacerse el sordo' (to play deaf) more often than 'longuis'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'hacerse el longuis'.
Ayer le pedí a mi hermano que limpiara la cocina, pero él ________.
We are talking about 'él' (my brother) in the past tense (ayer).
Which situation best describes 'hacerse el longuis'?
Choose the correct scenario:
'Hacerse el longuis' requires intentional avoidance.
What would a mother say to a son who is ignoring her request to set the table?
Madre: '¡Oye! ¡________, que te toca poner la mesa!'
The mother is giving a negative command (imperativo negativo) to the son (tú).
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following:
All are related, but 'longuis' is the specific slang for avoidance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
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Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer le pedí a mi hermano que limpiara la cocina, pero él ________.
We are talking about 'él' (my brother) in the past tense (ayer).
Choose the correct scenario:
'Hacerse el longuis' requires intentional avoidance.
Madre: '¡Oye! ¡________, que te toca poner la mesa!'
The mother is giving a negative command (imperativo negativo) to the son (tú).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All are related, but 'longuis' is the specific slang for avoidance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's a slang term that only exists within this specific phrase. You won't find it used as a standalone adjective.
Technically yes, and some people do, but 'hacerse el longuis' is a fixed masculine idiom that most people use regardless of gender.
Almost nothing. 'Hacerse el sueco' is slightly more 'classic' and 'longuis' is slightly more 'street' or 'slangy'.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal for professional correspondence.
Not exactly. Ghosting is disappearing completely. 'Hacerse el longuis' is more about being present but pretending you didn't notice a specific thing.
It's not a swear word, but it is an accusation. It's like saying 'You're playing dumb'. Use it with people you know well.
The verb changes: 'Ellos se hacen los longuis'. The word 'longuis' stays exactly the same.
It's understood because of Spanish movies and series, but it's not native to most Latin American countries.
There isn't a direct slang opposite, but 'dar la cara' (to face up to something) is the conceptual opposite.
It comes from 'longo' (distant). It's like saying your mind is 'far away' from the current problem.
Related Phrases
Hacerse el sueco
synonymTo pretend not to understand.
Escaquearse
similarTo dodge a task.
Pasar olímpicamente
similarTo ignore something completely.
Mirar para otro lado
similarTo look the other way.
Hacerse el loco
synonymTo play crazy/dumb.
