6) Chapino, chapina, or chapines 7) A huevos 8) Orale 9) Burra 10) Boquitas 11) Going further than Guatemalan slang This guide to Guatemalan slang is for English speakers visiting Guatemala for the first time. .plyr__control--overlaid:hover { color: #00896e; Pisto is Guatemalan slang for "money" or "cash." If you get into a tuk-tuk or cab, the driver might ask you if you have enough pisto to pay; some cafs and restaurants ask to be paid only in pisto. Its all good. And who knows? Every country has its own unique usage of slang, and each generation invents new slang words. 14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner. Pura vida (pure life) could be the national motto. Aguascon la piedra! Sometimes its all about whom you know, or as Guatemalans would say, tener cuello, literally having neck. This idiomatic expression means to have pull or influence. Didnt you bring her? Sausages here are not usually hidden away in a cooler, but prominently on display in a stores entrance. .plyr__control[data-plyr="play"]{ amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; #c5dd0d; }. If you are familiar with Spanish swear words, you would know that cow is vaca in Spanish as well, both literally or in other meanings. Another local word for girlfriend is giza, sometimes spelled wisa. 1. So you see, when you want to tell someone, Be Careful, tell them, Aguas, and they will understand you. This one is pretty easy. Its not that they are rude, but they are passionate people expressing the intensity of their feelings this way. Voice acted by Latino actors and actresses to help improve your Spanish comprehension in a way that engages and amuses. .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Happy about the dining venue some of the locals recommended? Oxford University Press dubbed "goblin mode" word of the year, which is a piece of internet slang that rose to . .plyr--full-ui input[type=range]{ Jeje, que chilero. (Hehe, thats cool.). Dont be surprised if one day you ask a local how hes doing and his response is: Dos que tres. Why do Salvadorans call themselves Guanacos? Esta fiesta es bien chola - This party is so tacky. One writer complained that the service at one hotel was so bad he had to get up and pick up the plates himself. They're Guatemalan slang, cerote! The word 'caralho' is commonly used to describe a male's intimate organ. background: #c5dd0d;} In the Garden of Eden, it was the snake that approached Eve, pretending to be her friendalbeit with ulterior motives. To get to work, I have to catch two buses.. You use this word to say something is cool, or that it exceeds your expectations. Well, thats not good.). Pretend youre having a conversation with a native Guatemalan and youve just said something completely logical, expected even. Ever heard of rubbernecking delays? amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; The fact that they exist in almost every language shows that this way, people are trying to get rid of the negative energy, frustration, or anger. Hijo, si te ports bien, te compro unos poporopos esta noche en el cine. But in Guatemala, this is also a term of affection, meaning buddy, pal, or mate. .plyr__menu__container .plyr__control[role=menuitemradio][aria-checked=true]::before { The floor is wet 2) Charnel Basically, any positive word you can think of. So, be careful to whom you will say because you might offend him pretty bad. .plyr__menu__container .plyr__control[role=menuitemradio][aria-checked=true]::before { For example, if someone tried to overcharge you on a job or at the market, you would call that person achucho. The warning could help save you from injury, so pay attention and get out of the way! Pedros son is a good boy!, Realmente me gusta este patojo ruso. The primary and basic meaning of this word is cow.. In El Salvador, though, this is a slang term meaning drink. Therefore, this sentence would sound like Porra'' mano!. } amzn_assoc_region = "US"; If you have, did you find them useful and amusing? Here are the phrases being repeated by a native from Guatemala. .plyr--audio .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { If you want to practice before using curse words and make sure youre not going to offend anyone, maybe you should first consult with amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; They have their own slang for words like "cool" and "dumb." Check out some of the words and phrases that Guatemalans use in everyday conversation. .plyr__control[data-plyr="play"]{ The second meaning, is that if someone is having clavo means that the person is ashamed or embarrassed of a situation or person. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; If asked whether you like it or not,smile and say,La msica es cabal! (The music is all good!). If someone says that he has a clavo, it means that person has a problem or a difficult situation. In Guatemala and Honduras the word giros is also used. When some public bus drivers suggested that government subsidies be eliminated and passengers use prepaid cards instead of cash, one reader responded: Me he dado cuenta que hay una buena cantidad de los buses parados, ya sea que estn tirados en talleres o simplemente, como no son horas pico de pasaje, los sacan de su ruta y as quieren el subsidio cabalito, qu de a sombrero! Cabal: Used at the end of a sentence exactly like a huevos is. Voy a echarme un cuaje, mientras el beb est durmiendo. Their acute sense of smell makes them ideal companions on the hunt. But in El Salvador, it means goodbye. what do you love about your job? Porque es una mujer garca.(Because shes a dishonest woman.) .plyr--audio .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Same level of offensiveness as nigger or chink. Sometimes, this colloquial Spanish vocabulary is regional, and other times its generational. This is another way of expressing appreciation, so if you like whats being suggested, just use this word! But if someone is yellingAGUAAAASSSS! It isnt such an offensive phrase, and at times it sounds quite funny, so youll hear a lot of the Portuguese use it. Jobs in Central America: Are You Looking? Today, this Portuguese insult doesnt refer to women only but to men, too. background: #c5dd0d; } Reinventing themselves all the time. Youll hear his voice in many of the stories in Gritty Spanish! 'play', 'progress', 'mute', 'volume', ], #c5dd0d; } It means buddy or mate. Very rarely a demonstrative can go before the possessive pronoun, like aquella su idea lit. Want to add some Spanish slang to your vocabulary? Which kinda sorta describes the meaning of it. You can also use it when you have some intense emotions like frustration, anger, or surprise. background: #c5dd0d; } Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. Guatemalan Slang 231,409 views Feb 22, 2016 9K Dislike Share Save FLAMA 852K subscribers Cerote, sho, aguas. background: #c5dd0d;} .plyr--audio .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Translates as dry but is Salvadoran slang for someone skinny, and is said in a light hearted manner. They grow and evolve on their own, spawning different versions of themselves. This construction also came from Mayan languages such as Cachiquel, Kekchi, and Quiche. Mae: Youll hear mae a lot in Costa Rica. Check out this sample of the local lingo. Its what Nicaraguans call themselves and each other as a matter of pride. It doesnt have to be a 5 year old. In truth, it is the exact opposite. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Of course, its literal translation is water, but when you hear it spoken loudly it means that danger is approaching. | Official Page, Fall in Love with These Five Guatemalan Spanish Phrases, This Mexican Spanish Book Will Make Your Mouth Sizzle, Nicaraguan Spanish | Speak like a Native! If your appetite to learn Guatemalan Spanish has not been sufficiently satisfied, why not get your copy of Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native? .plyr__control--overlaid:hover { background: #c5dd0d; } You may make some new friends along the way. So, besides using it as the word fool, you can use it on other occasions. In English, this curse phrase means piece of sh*t., When you think that someone is useless and angry at them or does something wrong, you can use the phrase monte de merda.. } Nice! Vaca is mainly used to offend women, something like using the word b*tch., The phrase is one of the most common ones among Brazilians. Pero mira como ests todo seco, seguro que ests comiendo bien? Planning to hike near volcanoes, swim in Lake Atitlan or roam the markets of Chichicastenango? color: #c5dd0d; } Others say it goes back much further to pre-Columbian times when indigenous people held meetings called huanacaxtle which sounds like guanacaste. .plyr__control--overlaid:hover { Do not use it, unless you want to come across as a crass, classless low-life. Those of us whove learned a second language understand the difficulty of trying to translate a word or phrase literally and all the problems (and embarrassing stories) that come with it. About 13.7 million of the 17 million population speak Spanish. As an everyday word, piranha is a kind of fish both in Portuguese and English and probably in many other languages. Shes never doing anything.) Government red tape is enough to drive anyone crazy. } Pura vida describes the Costa Rican mindset of being chilled out. Dnde compraste esa chumpa de cuero vos? They have their own slang for words like cool and dumb. Check out some of the words and phrases that Guatemalans use in everyday conversation. Its not that swearing words are something we should be proud of, but you cant survive with only Ricardo, desde que conoci a Ruth, est colgado como chorizo en tienda. TRAVEL 12 Romanian Slang Words to Help You Talk Like a Local. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; color: #00896e; Each country in Central America has its own unique words and phrases to tell you exactly where you are or who youre talking to. words you already know in Spanish to add even more to your vocabulary)! Or perhaps: How do you like them apples?. .plyr__menu__container .plyr__control[role=menuitemradio][aria-checked=true]::before { .plyr__menu__container .plyr__control[role=menuitemradio][aria-checked=true]::before { So here is a list of the top 10 most commonly used Guatemalan slang words: 1. He relates: Cuando el [jefe de los meseros] cay en la cuenta de su descuido, se hizo un queso para sacar el clavo. This more or less translates to 'you're useless' (or more literally, 'you're worth dick'). TermsPrivacy, Terms for our incredible guarantee can be read here. When used as a bad word, piranha refers to insulting women. Get ready to learn the language of Chapin with this quick guide. This one seems to have several meanings across South America, but in Salvadoran slang, it means good, perfect, or great. Or whatever word you use for what comes out when you go for a number two. Maybe. Over 20 countries have Spanish as their official language, and all these countries have made the language their own, in their own ways. Your email address will not be published. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; The Colombians know how to use their slang as well! .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Luis se meti en un gran clavo con la polica!. It's best to merely describe it as an expression of wonderment and/or surprise. You could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes! amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; const players199639 = Plyr.setup('.player199639', { But its nothing whatsoever to do with anything in English. .plyr__time, .plyr__time--duration{ #c5dd0d; }, Ese cerote es mi mejor amigo! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; } Adding these words to your lexicon will significantly decrease the number of possible misunderstandings you might have during the first few days of your visit. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Al menos esa es la lectura que yo le doy el querer sacar la cara para comunicar el aumento de salarios en un momento ms impertinente que una suegra shute en la luna de miel. #c5dd0d; } Get the latest deals and tips delivered straight to your inbox! Literally, this phrase means uns*it yourself.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or Puchica, a basic single word expression derived from a curse word (Puta), in this case, its more censored and is used to express shock or surprise. Local words include, There are also many words unique to Central America, for example, chunche or chochadas or babosadas means "thing" or stuff in some places. Afro-Guatemalans comprise 1-2% of the population. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 'a my cup of coffee'. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fcd7d61eae69fd11be85b996d0f89659"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. button.plyr__control:hover{ Camilo le est echando los perros a Mara. No spam! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Because Mexico is just across the border from the U.S., you might even hear some. Forget about too nice. background: #c5dd0d; } background: #c5dd0d; } | Official Page, 10 Ways to Speak CostaRicanSpanish Slang, Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? I remember only using cerote once and that was when chanting Otto cerote, te vas a it al bote! as a kid at a protest HAHAHA. Also heard in Mexican slang, this word refers to something that is of poor quality, or perhaps a bootleg. .plyr__time, .plyr__time--duration{ Lets all hope that Camilo isnt barking up the wrong tree. A poco. Aguas! Looks like a shortened version of the Spanish word for health (salud), but it actually means goodbye and might be derived from the French word Salut, which actually means Hi. No, dont go to the eggs (which is the literal definition of this phrase). to practice conversational Spanish skills. 12 Common Hand Gestures in the US That Will Insult People in Other Countries, 29 Phrases To Get You Started Learning Pidgin English, Does Duolingo Actually Work? Every hunter values his hounds. You might already be confident in your Spanish skills and know somesuper cool phrases, but we all know that sometimes thats not enough to ensure clear communication. It basically means cool or nice as an adjective. It is used as a bad word when you feel pain, stressed, or going through a hard time. color: #00896e; Guatemalan Slang Terms Table of Contents 1) Cuate 2) Simn 3) Pisto 4) Dos que tres 5) Aguas! background: #00896e; It is no surprise, then, that chilero usually has nothing to do with mouth-burning of any kind. 1) Cheque 2) Cabal 3) Chivo 4) Birrias 5) Goma 6) Mara 7) Alero 8) Bayunco 9) Vaya Pues 10) Paja 11) Charrula 12) Catracho 13) Puchica! j. Justlearn 2/9/2022. 12 Guatemalan Slang Words and Phrases to Help You Speak Like a Local In this post, we're presenting some of the most common words and phrases you'll hear on the streets (and in the bars) of Guatemala. }); Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2023, Sidenote: This post is the latest post in a series where we explore slang for every Spanish speaking country. /*Secondery*/ background: #c5dd0d; } Onlookers can tell what is going on without explanations. Its literal meaning is NAIL, but in Guatemalan slang it means two different things. /*Secondery*/ color: #00896e; Dance to music played by street musicians near the fountain in Antigua. B: Hes getting by. background: #c5dd0d;} amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; What does a Panamanian mean when he says, Nos sali la bruja. Stop being such a bother, you dumbass! Salvadoran slang for something that is sad, extremely poorly done, looks ugly or perhaps is very boring. Although this translates as drooler, it is typically used to express dumb. Your email address will not be published. I mean I know Americans who add subtitles when watching British shows on Netflix. background: #00896e; Guatemalans. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Costa Rican Spanish | Speak like a Native! .plyr--full-ui input[type=range] { Join the course now, before we come to our senses and charge for it! Guatemalans are not as given to hot, spicy foods as their Mexican neighbors. Love can make us act crazy. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; color: #ffffff; There are just as many Spanish colloquialisms that you can use in Argentina in South America. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. And as a Englishman myself, I admit I sometimes cant understand the Scottish accent, or even some accents from different parts of England. Thats why these days few are willing to do it. To help you pick up some words here and there, weve provided a handy guide. vocabulary is regional, and other times its generational. .plyr--full-ui input[type=range]{ If youve got a few days to spare, take a ride to Laguna Magdalena(Lake Magdalena) and jump into the cold, turquoise water. The movie was pretty cool!, Tus zapatos estn chileros! So if you hear armar un desmadre, this something is about to become a complete shitshow. (You should also practice cognates words you already know in Spanish to add even more to your vocabulary)! - Careful crossing the Street, remember! This is a slang expression for cash, so if youre going for a bite to eat or plan to catch a tuk-tuk(mototaxi), be sure you have some pisto in your pocket. Playing around with new words is a great way to practice and develop your Spanish speaking skills. When someones says tuanis to you theyre not unhappy, put it that way. Double hit today for the Guatemalan Slang category.. Shuco(a) is the Guatemalan slang for dirty. Its sure to get you a smile from anyone who hears you say it! Fun fact: It comes from a 1950s Mexican movie and really has nothing to do with Costa Rica. This is especially true with the word for true, verdad. controls:[ One of the sadder sightsRead More Highlighting SOS Animales and Animal Rescue in Nicaragua. However, there is a slight difference between English and Portuguese usage. This archaic Spanish word for girlfriend never went out of style in Guatemala. 1. Synonyms of this phrase are vai se foder, vai tomar por cu, and vai pro caralho., Usually, when youre angry, you use the word s*it. The same is in Portuguese, only the word they are using is merda., You can use the word by itself or as a part of a phrase. That being the case, in Guatemalan Spanish, a person in such a state is said to be colgado como chorizo en tienda. Qu boleta! (How embarrassing!). When you want to use it in a positive way, it can be translated as f*cking good.. To help you pick up some words here and there, weve provided a handy guide. You can sign up for online Spanish lessons to make learning Spanish easier and more convenient than ever. words from a few different countries so you can start practicing with friends. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. .plyr--audio .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { This word, Guatemalanuse a lot and has several different meanings. Guati. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Marco is a snake and I dont trust him. You can call a friend shute or an enemy the same way It depends of the context and the tone you use of course. It doesnt have to be in a stress situation, it can also be a warning of something that will happen in the future, like: Pedro! Central American Spanish has its own distinct dialects. } They use this in El Salvador too. Dont provoke Raul, he is a trouble-maker It goes back to the same code from our friend GeneralMalespn. Learn how to. I mean a LOT. Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here? Nicais short for Nicaraguense (Nicaraguan). TRAVEL Hilarious Spanish Swear Words and Phrases That Will Get You Into Trouble. Their acute sense of smell makes them ideal companions on the hunt. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; If the person is old, for an example a person in his twenties, they can also be bea patojo. Who you are speaking to and the TONE you use is very important, just like in English. Its all about the context, people. It can mean a small piece of excrement, but more often its used in a less derogatory manner between very close friends as a stand-in for the word dude., For example, if you mistakenly grab someones dinner you might hear, Cerote, esa era mi sopa! (Dude, thats my soup!). Like these two phrases, deixa-te de merdas is used when someone talks about a story that isnt true or speaks real nonsense. The meaning remains the same, and you have the option to choose which one you want to use. When someone says this to you, it means that you have to un-do your mess or at least clean up the mess youve made. Thats life. Luego de salir de ac podemos ir a bajonear algo After were done here we can go to eat something, Ese bicho es mi vecino, siempre est jugando ah That kid there is my neighbor, hes always there playing, Psame dos de esos bolados, por favor Pass me two of those things, please, Qu cacaso esa pelcula, ni valio la entrada Man! | Official Page, Five Nicaraguan Spanish Sayings about Animals. With a few lessons under your belt, you will be all set to impress your Spanish-speaking friends. color: #ffffff; personalized lessons. Central America has its fair share of slang, too. All rights reserved. Perhaps theyve picked up a new way of saying, Whats up? or Thats cool.. 'play', 'progress', 'mute', 'volume', ], Because of the success in such conquest, the language became a native language to almost every country in the American continent. All the Guatemalan Slang Terms You Need to Know. .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { [citation needed] The words used to describe children (or kids) vary among the countries in Central America; in Guatemala they are often called patojos. They will use it to express anger about a situation as well. For a more complete list see List of Spanish words of Nahuatl origin. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama are tiny countries. "PUCHICA" is a Guatemalan slang word that we use every day. } 1-2% of the Guatemalan population. This is a case of slang turning a word around because it derives from clido,meaning warm. Dont try to figure it out, just run with it. ya me agarraste de tu puerquito?, When I asked Antonio to do me one more favor, he responded angrily: What! .plyr__control--overlaid:hover { It doesnt have either positive or negative connotation to it. Theyre everywhere, and, very often, have ornately-painted female names above their windshields. If you want to use the Portuguese phrase, you use it alone, without adding other words to form a broader sentence. Central Americans love nicknames and El Salvador is no exception. In this post, were presenting some of the most common words and phrases youll hear on the streets (and in the bars) of Guatemala. Here is an example of the above Guatemalan slang in action: Conoc a una chava.(I met a girl.) Enjoy! This construction was occasional in Old Spanish and still found in Judaeo-Spanish, but its frequency in El Salvador and Guatemala is due to similar constructions being found in various Mayan languages. It means guy/gal, like when talking/ referring to a friend. Well, see you tomorrow, bye man! Maybe they picked up slang on the playground, from their other siblings, or even in pop culture like movies and TV shows. background: #c5dd0d; } 'that his/her/their idea'. A traditional Salvadoran dish, similar to tortillas made out of rice or corn, filled with all kinds of ingredients, cheese, beans, chicharrones, beef, prawns, etc. Theres no Nico/Nica thing going on. View. color: #c5dd0d; } background: #c5dd0d;} .plyr__control--overlaid:hover { Tuanis means cool, good, nice, all that positive stuff. Here is a sample conversation using, Want to see how to use some of these words and phrases in conversation? A Huevos If you are already learning Spanish, you would say that this word means to the eggs but in our case, it doesn't. A huevos in Guatemalan slang can be used as you would use the English for sure. Like in Episode # 7, Night of the Knicks Game from Gritty Spanish: Parte II, where the Guatemalan voice actor refers to one of young Knicks players as a Patojo. The word foda has many meanings, both positive and negative. button.plyr__control:hover{ Felipe Parkhurst. This one is also quite simple, A Guatemalan slangword to say dog is chucho. color: #00896e; Download the exact curriculum that thousands of BaseLang students have used to become fluent in Spanish. (Mara is from Guatemala.) button.plyr__control:hover{ [citation needed] The words used to describe children (or kids) vary among the countries in Central America; in Guatemala they are often called patojos. A quin vamos a mandar a la Alcalda para sacar el permiso? I have some money to spare, want to grab a bite? See that thing over there? Ves esta vaina alla? Much likechunchein Costa Rica. In the meaning of fool, the word corno can be used in different situations. This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. Begin by asking, Whats up? and youll be off to a great start. Guatemala. Although there is another thing theyalso call chucho,which are the nut wheel of a tire. .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { 7. The snob.) When you are angry at someone or something, you can use vai tomar no cu., In English, it literally means take some in your a*shole but can be used as an English equivalent f*ck off.. The most common is to use it as buddy dude and similar. .plyr--full-ui input[type=range] { So basically, you will be saying that the person who is chispudo is a person that has spark. Guatemala, referred to asThe Land of Eternal Spring,is no exception. Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada? Finally, you break through the defense and score the game-winning goal! Pues, ms o menos, y tu?(Well, Im so-so, and you?) You can also insult your worst enemy with the same word, it depends in the tone. I know, it sounds a bit confusing, but bear with me. background: #c5dd0d; } But there is no math involved in this one. As we mentioned, the word foda can be used as a part of an expression and used like that; it means go f*ck yourself. It is also one of the most commonly used curse phrases in Brazilian Portuguese. Thats not what a huevos meansat least, not if youre chatting it up in Guatemala. This idiom means to date. Pues, est mal. (Really? Youll hear and see this word all over Guatemala. But look at you! In Guatemalan Spanish, they prefer to get their potatoes peeled. Or, take Spanish group classes to practice conversational Spanish skills. Aguas would be the plural of Agua. This type of people, Guatemalans call brincones.