Panamanian Spanish features distinctive local terms. “Chuleta” is an exclamation of surprise. “Chantin” means house or home. “Fyty” (from “fifty-fifty”) means so-so or mediocre. “Ponchera” refers to a boring situation or a mess. “Xuxa” is a mild expletive expressing frustration.
Paraguayan Spanish often mixes with Guaraní, creating unique terms. “Jaha” means “let’s go.” “Mbareté” means strong or powerful. “Che” is used to get someone’s attention. “Luego” is often used to mean “now” instead of “later.” “Jopará” refers to the mix of Spanish and Guaraní.
Peruvian Spanish has a rich, unique vocabulary. “Pata” means friend or buddy. “Chamba” refers to work or a job. “Huachafo” describes something tacky or in poor taste. “Pituco/a” refers to someone posh or upper-class. “Churro” means handsome or attractive.
Costa Rican Spanish, or “Tiquismos,” has distinctive vocabulary. “Pura vida” is a multipurpose phrase meaning everything from “hello” to “great.” “Mae” means dude or guy. “Tuanis” means cool or awesome. “Gallo pinto” refers to a popular rice and beans dish. “Upe” is used when entering someone’s home, similar to “hello?”
Argentine Spanish is known for its unique vocabulary. “Che” is a ubiquitous interjection used to get someone’s attention. “Pibe/a” means kid or youngster. “Quilombo” refers to a mess or chaos. “Mina” is a colloquial term for a woman. “Boludo/a” can be an insult or term of endearment among friends, meaning foolish.
Bolivian Spanish has distinctive terms reflecting its culture. “Pues” (often shortened to “ps”) is used for emphasis at the end of sentences. “Chango/a” means boy or girl. “Pituco/a” refers to someone who is posh or upper-class. “Chocho” means happy or content. “Wawa” is a Quechua loanword for baby or small child.
Chilean Spanish is famous for its unique slang. “Weon/a” is a multipurpose word that can mean dude, guy, or fool. “Cachai” means “you know?” or “understand?” “Fome” describes something boring or dull. “Pololo/a” means boyfriend or girlfriend. “Al tiro” means immediately or right away.
Colombian Spanish varies by region but has some common unique words. “Parcero/a” means friend or buddy. “Chévere” means cool or great. “Embarrada” refers to a mistake or mess-up. “Guayabo” means hangover. “Vaina” is a multipurpose word for thing, stuff, or situation.
Cuban Spanish is rich with unique expressions. “Acere” means friend or buddy. “Yuma” refers to a foreigner, especially an American. “Asere” is used as a greeting among friends. “Pincha” means job or work. “Jamar” is a slang term for eating.
Dominican Spanish has a vibrant vocabulary. “Klk” (pronounced “que lo que”) is a common greeting meaning “what’s up?” “Tiguere” refers to a streetwise person. “Vaina” is a multipurpose word for thing or stuff. “Chin” means a little bit. “Mangú” is a popular plantain dish.