Paraguayan slang often incorporates Guaraní, the country’s other official language. Common expressions include: “Che” (hey, mate), “Luego” (then, often used as “okay”), “Jaha” (let’s go), “Macanada” (nonsense), “Mbore” (cool, nice). “¿Mba’eteko?” is a greeting meaning “How are you?”. “Jopará” refers to the mix of Spanish and Guaraní often used. As always, use slang carefully and…
Peruvian slang, known as “jerga”, is rich and varied. Common expressions include: “Chévere” (cool), “Pata” (friend), “Chamba” (work), “Huachafo” (tacky), “Mosca” (alert), “Chela” (beer). “¿Qué tal?” is a common greeting. “Ya” is often used to agree or acknowledge. “Habla” or “Habla causa” means “What’s up, friend?”. Remember, Peruvian slang can vary by region and social…
Spanish slang from Spain, often called “jerga”, varies by region. Common expressions include: “Tío/Tía” (dude/dudette, literally uncle/aunt), “Guay” (cool), “Molar” (to like), “Chaval” (kid, guy), “Vale” (okay), “Chungo” (bad, difficult). “¿Qué pasa?” or “¿Qué tal?” are common greetings. “Venga” is used to agree or encourage. Remember that Spanish slang can differ significantly from Latin American…
Uruguayan Spanish, especially in Montevideo, has unique slang called “lunfardo”, similar to Argentine Spanish. Common expressions include: “Botija” (kid), “Ta” (okay), “Gurí/Gurisa” (boy/girl), “Boludo” (dude, can be offensive), “Plata” (money). “¿Cómo andás?” is a common greeting. Uruguayans use “vos” instead of “tú” for informal “you”. “Che” is used to get attention. As always, use slang…
Venezuelan Spanish is known for its colorful slang. Common expressions include: “Chamo/a” (dude, kid), “Pana” (friend), “Chevere” (cool), “Fino” (great), “Ladilla” (annoying), “Burda” (very). “¿Qué más?” is a common greeting meaning “What’s up?”. “Epa” is used to get attention. “Así así” means so-so. Remember that Venezuelan slang can be quite expressive, so pay attention to…
Puerto Rican Spanish, or “Boricua”, has a rich slang vocabulary. Common expressions include: “Wepa!” (exclamation of joy), “Boricua” (Puerto Rican person), “Chavos” (money), “Janguear” (to hang out), “Al garete” (out of control), “Broki” (buddy, from “brother”). “¿Qué la que?” means “What’s up?”. “Nene/nena” (boy/girl) is commonly used. Remember, Puerto Rican Spanish often drops the ‘s’…
Costa Rican slang, often called “pachuco”, includes many unique expressions. Common terms include: “Mae” (dude, guy), “Pura vida” (literally “pure life”, used as a greeting, farewell, or to say “great”), “Tuanis” (cool, nice), “Chiva” (awesome), “Gallo pinto” (traditional rice and beans dish, also used to mean “mess”). “¿Qué me dice?” is a common greeting. Remember,…
Cuban Spanish is known for its expressiveness and unique vocabulary. Common slang terms include: “Acere” (friend, buddy), “Asere” (dude, mate), “Yuma” (foreigner, especially American), “Pincha” (work, job), “Jamar” (to eat), “Fula” (US dollar). “¿Qué bolá?” means “What’s up?”. “Resolver” is a key concept in Cuban culture, meaning to find a solution or make do. As…
Dominican Spanish is known for its fast pace and unique expressions. Common slang includes: “Klk” or “Que lo que” (What’s up?), “Tigre/Tiguere” (dude, guy), “Vaina” (thing, stuff), “Chevere” (cool), “Guagua” (bus), “Un chin” (a little bit). “Mangú” refers to a popular dish and can also mean “mess”. Dominicans often drop the ‘s’ at the end…
Ecuadorian slang varies by region but some common expressions include: “Chuta” (mild exclamation of surprise), “Chévere” (cool, great), “Ñaño/a” (brother/sister, friend), “Man” (dude, guy), “Plata” (money), “Achachay” (it’s cold!), “Arraray” (it’s hot!). “¿Qué fue?” is a common greeting meaning “What’s up?”. In Quito, “Acolita” means “help” or “favor”. As with all slang, usage can vary,…