Colombia is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America due to its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and because of the incredibly diverse and friendly people who call Colombia home. From the moment you leave the airport, you will notice that Colombians are passionate and enthusiastic, and this is reflected in the way that they speak. During my time as a volunteer and student at Spanish Adventure Spanish School in the beautiful town of San Carlos, Antioquia, I was given the opportunity to learn Spanish the Colombian way. While learning a new language, you not only learn how the locals speak, but also their culture, worldview, and most importantly, their humor! Although my Spanish classes primarily focussed on grammar, vocabulary, and conjugation of all the important verbs, I also discovered some pretty unique (and strange!) words and phrases commonly used by the locals—AKA, the Colombian slang. So, if you want to speak like a Colombian, here are the top 6 most common and strange words/phrases that you will hear when travelling through Colombia.
Paisa
Paisa is a Colombian slang word which refers to the people that live in the northwest province of Antioquia. Colombians who are originally from this region, and specifically from the capital of Medellin, are proud to be from this region, and will call themselves Paisas. As such, if you hear someone calling themself a Paisa, you will know exactly what region they are from, and asking them about their hometown is a great way to practice your spanish! For example, many of the Spanish teachers from Spanish Adventure are from Medellin, Antioquia, San Carlos, Antioquia, or Puerto Nare, Antioquia.
Mecato
While visiting some of the many tourist sites in San Carlos, Antioquia and across Colombia, you may find that you can start to get hungry in between the main meals of the day. Therefore if you don’t know what to do in Colombia, remember that you can always check out some of the local restaurants or cafes for a mecato, or snack. There are a plethora of mecatos that are unique to Colombia, but one of my favourites was when I tried a buñuelo while hanging out in the square in San Carlos. Buñuelos, which are a type of stuffed fritter made of yuca flour, are a perfect mecato when you just had your lunch but want to enjoy something sweet before dinner. For more information on the best places to snack in San Carlos, check out our other blog post here!
Buñuelos, a popular Colombian mecato/snack
No Dar Papaya
Before travelling to Colombia, you may have heard some harmful stereotypes that Colombia is dangerous or full of violence. Just like any countries, there are certain areas and cities that you should avoid. However, Colombia has overcome many of its challenges and become a much safer country to visit, especially for tourists. Do some basic research on the history of Colombia and you will quickly realize that these stereotypes are no longer true, and with proper caution you are sure to not run into trouble during your trip. Particularly, the town of San Carlos, Antioquia, has undertaken a massive transformation from being one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia, to one of the safest (read about it here). As such, Colombians use the phrase “No Dar Papaya” as a general rule of thumb for safety. This phrase, while literally translates to “Don’t Give Papaya”, means that you should never put yourself in a situation that makes you more vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Essentially, if you practice common sense and avoid making yourself an easy target to thieves and the like, you will not have to worry about any dangers. For example, following the “No Dar Papaya” means limiting your alcohol intake, avoiding empty or dark streets, and keeping your valuables with you at all times.
Guayabo
If you put this word into google translate, you will see that it is simply the name of a guava tree. However, only true Colombians (and now, you!) know the secret meaning behind this word, which is hangover. The day after enjoying a few too many cervezas or micheladas (a Colombian drink made with beer lime, and fruits such as green mango), you can say “Tengo guayabo!”, which translates to “ I have a hangover!”.
A fresh Michelada, or Colombian drink with beer,lime and mango biche
Peliculiar
Those who have been doing their Spanish homework may be familiar with the word “película” which means movie. However, this noun has recently been turned into a noun to take on a whole new meaning. English speakers are familiar with the term “Netflix and Chill”, which recently gained popularity as a phrase meaning to watch a movie while also getting intimate with someone. However, Colombians have taken a step further and turned “Netflix and Chill” into a verb! So if you want to spend some special time with a new love interest you met in Colombia, you can simply ask “Quieres peliculiar esta noche?”, meaning “Do you want to Netflix and chill tonight?”.
Que Gonorrea!
I know what you’re thinking, and this word isn’t what you think (kind of)! Although Gonorrea refers to the sexually transmitted infection, this phrase has recently caught on with Colombians (and specifically Paisas) as a way to describe something that is bad, awkward, or strange. Some also use it to playfully make fun of close friends. For example, if your best friend is doing something annoying, you might make fun of him by saying “Quien es este gonorrea?”, which would roughly translate to “Who is this motherfucker”? Although I don’t necessarily recommend using this phrase, it is great to know the meaning the next time you hear it in Colombian restaurants or bars so you can explain the true meaning to your shocked friends!
Traveling to Colombia can be an amazing experience. This South American country boasts incredible natural beauty, from its stunning beaches to its lush rainforests and towering mountains. The warmth and hospitality of the Colombian people also make for a truly unforgettable cultural experience, Colombia is definitely a truly sesantional place.
Write by Jenni Hettinga