Mala onda

Mala onda is a Spanish-language idiom that translates literally to "bad wave." However, its meaning is much closer to "bad vibes," "bad feeling," or "negative energy." It describes a situation, person, or place that evokes a sense of unease, discomfort, or negativity.

The term is subjective and often used informally to express a gut feeling or intuition about something being wrong or unpleasant. It does not necessarily require a logical or tangible reason; the feeling of "mala onda" can be based on subtle cues, nonverbal communication, or simply an atmosphere of discomfort.

The opposite of "mala onda" would be "buena onda," meaning "good vibes" or "positive energy." The concept is widely understood across many Spanish-speaking countries, although subtle variations in usage and slang may exist.