Meaning
Informal expression meaning to be completely indifferent or uninterested in something.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'sudar de' is a staple of youth language. It's often paired with 'olímpicamente' to add emphasis. It reflects a cultural value of not letting small things disturb your 'tranquilidad'. While understood, 'sudar de' is less common in Mexico. Mexicans are more likely to use 'Me vale' or 'Me vale gorro'. Using 'sudar de' might make you sound like you're from Madrid. Argentines might use 'Me resbala' (it slides off me) to express the same sentiment. 'Sudar de' is recognized but feels very 'Peninsular'. In the Spanish trap and reggaeton scene (artists like C. Tangana or Rosalía), 'sudar' is used to show a position of power over critics and 'haters'. It's a key word in the 'flexing' vocabulary.
Watch the Preposition
Always use 'de'. If you say 'Sudo el examen', people will think you are literally sweating on the paper.
Add 'Olímpicamente'
If you want to sound like a native pro, add 'olímpicamente' to show you are a master of not caring.
Meaning
Informal expression meaning to be completely indifferent or uninterested in something.
Watch the Preposition
Always use 'de'. If you say 'Sudo el examen', people will think you are literally sweating on the paper.
Add 'Olímpicamente'
If you want to sound like a native pro, add 'olímpicamente' to show you are a master of not caring.
Spain vs LatAm
Use this mostly in Spain. In Latin America, stick to 'Me vale' or 'No me importa' to sound more natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'sudar de'.
Mis amigos siempre ________ la política, prefieren hablar de fútbol.
The subject is 'Mis amigos' (plural), and we need the preposition 'de'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a slang context?
A) Sudo mucho cuando hago ejercicio. B) Sudo de lo que diga mi hermano. C) Sudo por la fiebre.
Sentence B uses 'sudar de' to mean indifference, which is the slang usage.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: '¿Vas a ir a la reunión de vecinos?' Luis: 'No, ________. Siempre se pelean por tonterías.'
We need 'sudar de' followed by the infinitive 'ir'.
Match the situation to the best use of 'sudar'.
Your friend is crying because a stranger called them 'ugly' on the street.
You are telling your friend to ignore the stranger.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMis amigos siempre ________ la política, prefieren hablar de fútbol.
The subject is 'Mis amigos' (plural), and we need the preposition 'de'.
A) Sudo mucho cuando hago ejercicio. B) Sudo de lo que diga mi hermano. C) Sudo por la fiebre.
Sentence B uses 'sudar de' to mean indifference, which is the slang usage.
Ana: '¿Vas a ir a la reunión de vecinos?' Luis: 'No, ________. Siempre se pelean por tonterías.'
We need 'sudar de' followed by the infinitive 'ir'.
Your friend is crying because a stranger called them 'ugly' on the street.
You are telling your friend to ignore the stranger.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. It's dismissive. Use it with friends, but avoid it with people you need to be polite to.
Yes, 'Sudo de él' means 'I'm ignoring him' or 'I don't care about him'.
They are almost identical. 'Sudar de' feels slightly more modern and slangy.
It is understood because of Spanish media, but it's not the primary way to express indifference there.
Yes, 'Sudé de todo' (I ignored everything) is very common.
No! 'Me la suda' is much more vulgar. Use 'sudar de' if you want to be safe.
You can say 'Sudo de todo'.
Yes, it's perfect for WhatsApp and social media.
Usually, yes. It implies a lack of attention or emotional investment.
It is used equally by all genders in Spain.
Related Phrases
pasar de algo
synonymTo pass on something / to ignore.
me la suda
specialized formI don't give a damn.
importar un bledo
similarTo not care a bit.
hacer el vacío
contrastTo give someone the silent treatment.
no dar importancia
neutralTo not give importance.
