Compliment is an integral part of the Hispanic culture, a vivid manifestation of the character of the Hispanic speaking ethnic groups. The article describes functioning of the speech etiquette in specific situations of communication, which are joined by the common intention of the compliment. The authors suggest the definition of a piropo - compliment and cumplido-compliment. The article highlights the main factors for layering and situational variability, influencing the choice of speech units in these thematic situations. It also confirms that social factors impact the communicative situation of "compliment". The article highlights that the choice of a certain compliment depends on specific factors, such as: social affiliation, occupation, level of education, level of education, degree of acquaintance, role relations of communicants, the tone of relations between the communicants, communication situation, communication setting, age, gender, place of residence (city, rural), temper and temperament. The provisions of the article can be used in teaching the Spanish language, designing new linguo-cultural studies courses on lexicology as well as in translation practice.