Guatemalan slang enriches everyday conversations with colorful expressions that reflect the country’s unique cultural identity. This guide will help you understand and use common Guatemalan slang naturally.
Essential Expressions
Greetings and Basic Phrases
- “¿Qué onda vos?” – What’s up?
- “¡Qué chilero!” – How awesome!
- “¿Todo bien?” – All good?
- “¡A pura!” – For sure!/Definitely!
People and Relationships
- “Cuate/Cuata” – Friend (male/female)
- “Patojo/Patoja” – Boy/Girl, also used for “guy/gal”
- “Chucho” – Originally meaning “dog,” now also used as “dude”
- “Mano/Mana” – Shortened from hermano/hermana (brother/sister), used for close friends
- “Chavo/Chava” – Guy/Girl (teenager or young adult)
Money and Value
- “Pisto” – Money
- “Clavo” – Problem or difficult situation
- “Chafa” – Low quality, fake
- “Chunche” – Thing (when you can’t remember the actual word)
- “Tacuche” – Formal clothes, suit
Descriptions and Reactions
- “Chulo/Chula” – Cool, nice, pretty
- “Chilero/Chilera” – Awesome, great
- “Shuco/Shuca” – Dirty
- “Pilas” – Smart, clever
- “Chambón” – Sloppy, careless
Context and Tone
Guatemalan slang often varies in formality and appropriateness:
Casual Settings
- “¡Qué buena onda!” – That’s cool/nice!
- “Nel” – No
- “Simon” – Yes
- “Púchica” – Mild expression of surprise
Among Friends
- “Cerote” – Dude (very informal, use with caution)
- “Bicho/Bicha” – Kid (can be endearing or derogatory)
- “Wiro” – Clever person, sometimes used sarcastically
Modern Guatemalan Slang
Recent additions to Guatemalan slang include:
- “Lomito” – Attractive person
- “Cheque” – Okay/Got it
- “Hacer el mate” – To help someone out
- “Estar pilas” – To be alert/aware
Conclusion
Guatemalan slang forms an essential part of daily communication in Guatemala, blending traditional expressions with modern urban vocabulary. Understanding these terms will help you navigate casual conversations and connect more authentically with Guatemalan speakers. Remember that Guatemalan slang continues to evolve, adding new expressions while maintaining its distinctive character that sets it apart from other Spanish-speaking regions.