1. “Red or green?”
This classic question refers to your choice of chile sauce—red or green. It’s the New Mexican way to ask if you want your food spicy, and sometimes, it’s the hardest decision of the day!
2. “That’s not my first rodeo.”
Meaning “I’ve been through this before,” New Mexicans love this saying, especially when things get a bit crazy, like at the annual state fair or during the Festival of the Arts.
3. “It’s chile, not chili.”
In New Mexico, the “e” in “chile” is non-negotiable. It’s a point of pride that distinguishes the local version of the pepper from the Tex-Mex chili dish.
4. “We don’t tan, we roast.”
The New Mexico sun is fierce, especially in summer. This saying is a playful way of acknowledging that the state’s dry heat can turn your skin a little too “crispy.”
5. “That’s a little bit of a conundrum wrapped in a tortilla.”
A uniquely New Mexican phrase that humorously refers to a confusing or complicated situation. You might hear it while navigating the complexities of the state’s diverse culture.
6. “We got green chile everything.”
New Mexicans put green chile on almost anything—burgers, pizza, fries, even ice cream! If it can be eaten, it can probably be improved with a little green chile.
7. “Hold your horses!”
Used to tell someone to slow down or be patient, this saying is a throwback to the days when horses were the primary mode of transportation, and it still holds true in New Mexico today.
8. “I’ll meet you at the gas station.”
In a state like New Mexico, where towns are spread far apart, meeting at the gas station is often the easiest way to find someone. It’s the unofficial “hub” of many communities.
9. “You know you’re from New Mexico if you’ve driven 50 miles to get to the closest Walmart.”
Everything might be spaced out a little more in New Mexico, meaning long drives to the nearest store are pretty common—sometimes even for the most mundane errands.
10. “It’s not a hike, it’s a ‘nature walk.’”
Because of New Mexico’s diverse terrain, hiking can often be more casual and scenic. Locals use this saying to downplay the challenge and enjoy the natural beauty without the pressure of it being too strenuous.
