Slang & Local Expressions

  • A Guide to Salvadoran Slang

    Salvadoran Spanish has its unique flavor of slang. Common expressions include: “Cerote” (dude, can be offensive), “Bicho/a” (kid), “Pisto” (money), “Cherada” (cool, awesome), “Cipote/a” (boy/girl), “Maje” (dude, friend). “¿Qué ondas?” means “What’s up?”. “Pupusa” is a traditional food and is sometimes used in slang contexts. Remember, Salvadoran slang can be quite colorful, so use it…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Equatoguinean Slang

    Equatoguinean Spanish, influenced by local languages and cultures, has its unique expressions. While specific slang data is limited, some common African Spanish terms might be used: “Guay” (cool), “Tío/Tía” (dude/dudette, literally uncle/aunt), “Molar” (to like). “¿Qué tal?” is a common greeting. Fang and Bubi, local languages, likely influence slang. Given the limited information and potential…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Guatemalan Slang

    Guatemalan slang reflects the country’s diverse culture. Common expressions include: “Chulo/a” (cool, nice), “Pisto” (money), “Chilero” (awesome), “Chafa” (low quality), “Cuate” (friend), “Patojo/a” (boy/girl). “¿Qué onda vos?” is a common greeting meaning “What’s up?”. “Chucho” means dog but is also used for “dude”. Some words from indigenous languages are also used in slang. As always,…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Honduran Slang

    Honduran Spanish has its unique slang expressions. Common terms include: “Cheque” (OK, cool), “Catracho/a” (Honduran person), “Chombo” (friend), “Pisto” (money), “Maje” (dude, guy), “Chuco” (dirty). “¿Qué onda?” is a common greeting meaning “What’s up?”. “Púchica” is a mild exclamation. Remember that slang can vary by region and social context, so it’s best to learn through…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Mexican Slang

    Mexican slang is rich and varied, often changing by region. Common expressions include: “Güey” or “Wey” (dude, mate), “Órale” (OK, wow), “Chido” (cool), “Padre” (cool, awesome), “No manches” (no way!), “¿Qué onda?” (What’s up?). “Neta” means truth or really. “Chingar” and its derivatives are common but can be offensive. Remember, Mexican slang can be complex…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Nicaraguan Slang

    Nicaraguan Spanish has its unique slang terms. Common expressions include: “Maje” (dude, guy), “Tuani” (cool, nice), “Chochada” (nonsense), “Chunche” (thing), “Chavalo/a” (boy/girl), “Ideay” (hey!). “¿Qué onda?” or “¿Qué fue?” are common greetings meaning “What’s up?”. “Dale pues” is often used to agree or say goodbye. As with all slang, usage can vary, so it’s best…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Panamanian Slang

    Panamanian Spanish has a vibrant slang vocabulary. Common expressions include: “Chuleta” (wow!), “Chevere” (cool), “Chantin” (house), “Lleva’o” (in bad shape), “Paila” (bad situation), “Yeye” (uppity). “¿Qué xopá?” is a common greeting meaning “What’s up?”. “Juega vivo” means to be smart or streetwise. Remember that Panamanian slang can be very localized, so pay attention to context…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Argentine Slang

    Argentine Spanish, particularly in Buenos Aires, is known for its unique slang called “lunfardo”. Some common expressions include: “Che” (hey or mate), “Boludo” (mate, can be endearing or insulting depending on context), “Fiaca” (laziness), “Mango” (money), “Pibe/Piba” (kid, boy/girl), “Copado” (cool). Argentines often use “vos” instead of “tú” for the informal “you”. The phrase “¿Qué…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Bolivian Slang

    Bolivian slang varies by region but some common expressions include: “Pues” (well, often added to the end of sentences), “Chango/a” (boy/girl), “Jailón” (upper class, fancy), “Chulo” (cool, nice), “Pucha” (mild exclamation of surprise or frustration). “¿Qué tal?” is a common greeting meaning “How are you?”. In some regions, “Imilla” (girl) and “Llocalla” (boy) from Aymara…

    Read More

  • A Guide to Chilean Slang

    Chilean Spanish is known for its unique slang and rapid speech. Common expressions include: “Weon/a” (dude, mate – use cautiously as it can be offensive), “Cachai” (understand? got it?), “Bacán” (cool), “Fome” (boring), “Al tiro” (right away), “Pololear” (to date). “Po” is often added to the end of sentences for emphasis. “¿Cómo estai?” is a…

    Read More