echar un palo

A vulgar Spanish slang expression for having sex. Strictly informal and crude; avoid in polite company or writing. Literally 'to throw a stick'. Only echar is conjugated.

• Dicen que echaron un palo en la fiesta. — They say they hooked up at the party.
• Es una expresión vulgar, no la uses con tu jefe. — It's a vulgar expression, don't use it with your boss.
• Eso de echar un palo se dice solo entre amigos. — That phrase is only used among friends.

Translating literally as 'to throw a stick' or using it casually with strangers; it is vulgar and context matters a great deal.