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“How Do Yo Say?”: A Fun Dive into Latin American Slang
Slang in Latin America is an infinite tapestry of language, crafted from centuries of cultural influences and creative expressions. It’s not just about being trendy (though that’s definitely part of the fun)—slang captures the essence of the region’s story. It emerges from blending indigenous tongues, African heritage, European influences, and the ever-evolving trends of modern life. Each country brings its own flair, creating a vibrant mix of expressions that make everyday conversations colorful and distinct.
Let’s take a look at Mexico, where the blending of Spanish with Nahuatl has enriched the language with words like “aguacate” (avocado) and casual phrases like “¿Qué onda?” (What’s up?). In Venezuela, the word “guayabo,” originally referring to a type of tree, has transformed into slang for heartbreak. Meanwhile, over in Puerto Rico, the fusion of African and Taino influences is evident in expressions like “diablo” (damn), which is commonly used as an exclamation. And in Chile, slang often draws from Mapuche words, combined with a straightforward attitude, resulting in unique terms such as “brígido” (awesome).
Slang evolves because people evolve. It’s influenced by migrations, colonization, pop culture, and even technology. Whether you’re calling someone ‘cachondo’ in Mexico or ‘rascao’ in Venezuela, these expressions capture the essence of a region that flourishes on diversity.
Artists Giving Us the Scoop
Latination’s How Do Yo Say? brought us face-to-face with artists who shared the slang that colors their everyday lives. These expressions aren’t just words—they’re snapshots of their culture. Let’s explore what they taught us:
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Caloncho (Mexico):
Cachondo – Aroused.
Me encabroné – I’m pissed.
Estoy enamorado – I’m head over heels.
Estoy parcialmente borracho – I’m a little buzzed.
Serio va / De a deivis – Seriously.
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Taiko (Chile):
Brígido / Bacán / De pana – Awesome.
Está rica – She’s really attractive.
Curao – Wasted.
Con el carro – Heartbroken.
Cagao – Cheap.
Estoy seco – I’m parched.
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RaiNao (Puerto Rico):
Diablo – Damn.
En veldá, en veldá / Hablando claro – Seriously.
Me está sacando por el techo – You’re getting on my last nerve.
Estoy encabrona / Estoy encojonada – I’m pissed off.
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Jerry Di (Venezuela):
Tengo un guayabo – I’m heartbroken.
Ladillado – Fed up.
Arrechísimo – Incredible.
Eso es un culo – She’s a knockout.
Estoy rascao – I’m hammered.
Latin Slang: A Few Must-Know Phrases
Latin American countries each have their own treasure chest of slang. Some phrases will crack you up, while others might leave you puzzled. Here’s a country-by-country guide to help you navigate the slang jungle:
Mexico
¿Qué onda? – What’s up?
¡Aguas! – Watch out!
Está cañón – It’s tough or surprising.
Rollo – A complicated situation.
Neta – Truth.
Chile
Bacán / Brígido – Cool or awesome.
Estoy seco – I’m thirsty.
Curao – Drunk.
Con el carro – Heartbroken.
Cagao – Cheap or stingy.
Venezuela
Chamo / Chama – Friend or dude.
De pinga – Cool.
Guayabo – Heartbreak.
Rascao – Drunk.
Arrechísimo – Incredible.
Argentina
Boludo – Dude.
Piola – Cool.
Es un caño – Hot (attractive).
Está al palo – Amazing.
Gil – Foolish.
Colombia
Parce – Friend.
Marica – Buddy.
Paila – Bad.
Chévere – Cool.
Pinta – Attractive.
Peru
Jamear – To eat.
Palta – Embarrassment (or avocado).
Pata – Friend.
Latear – To walk.
Canchita – Popcorn.
Costa Rica
Pura vida – All good.
Mae – Friend.
Tuanis – Nice or good.
Jalarse una torta – To mess up.
Una teja de persona – A really great person.
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