Colombian Spanish

Colombian Spanish is a grouping of the varieties of Spanish spoken in Colombia. The term is of more geographical than linguistic relevance, since the dialects spoken in the various regions of Colombia are quite diverse. The speech of coastal areas tends to exhibit phonological innovations typical of Caribbean Spanish, while highland varieties have been historically more conservative.

The Spanish of Colombia, and especially that of Bogotá, is known for the use of "usted" between friends, family members, and others whose relationship would indicate the use of "tú" or "vos" in most other dialects. In Colombian Spanish, the diminutive forms -ico, -ica (rather than the more conventional -ito, -ita) are often used in words whose stem ends with "t".

Slang speech is frequent in popular culture, especially in the barrios of big cities. In the Paisa region and Medellín, the local slang is named "Parlache". Many slang expressions have spread outside of their original areas to become commonly understood throughout the country.

The Colombian Spanish dialects can be divided in: Paisa, Rolo or Bogotá (also called cachaco), Cundiboyacense, Caribbean (also called costeño), Valluno, Andean, Opita, Santanderean, Eastern plains or Llanero, Chocó or Pacific and Island. -Source: Wikipedia

Here are our articles that covers Colombia Spanish slang, language, expressions, dictionaries, culture, and general topics:

periquero

A slang term used in some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, to refer to a person who frequently uses or is addicted to drugs, particularly cocaine. Examples Spanish: No me gusta ir a esa fiesta, siempre está lleno de periqueros. English: I don't like going to that party, it's always full of drug addicts.

perrata

A term usually used in Spain to refer to a betrayal or a treacherous act. Examples Spanish: No puedo creer que me hiciste una perrata así. English: I can't believe you did such a treacherous act to me.

perro/a

In Spanish slang, 'perro/a' is often used to refer to a friend or mate. It literally translates to 'dog', but in colloquial usage it means 'buddy' or 'pal'. It is mostly used in Mexico. Examples Spanish: ¿Cómo estás, perro? English: How are you, buddy?

pichar

To ignore someone or stand someone up. In some regions, it can also mean to pay for something. Examples Spanish: Había quedado con Juan para ir al cine, pero me pichó a última hora. English: I had made plans with Juan to go to the cinema, but he stood me up at the last minute.

pichurrio

A term used to describe something in poor condition, of bad quality, or feeling unwell. Examples Spanish: Este coche está muy pichurrio, necesito uno nuevo. English: This car is in very poor condition, I need a new one.

piedra

In slang context, 'piedra' is often used to refer to a hard, tough, or strong person. It can also refer to a situation that is difficult or challenging. Literally, it means 'stone' or 'rock'. Examples Spanish: Juan es una piedra, nunca se rinde ante los desafíos. English: Juan is a rock, he never gives up […]

polla

In Spain, 'polla' is a vulgar slang term used to refer to a male's genitalia. However, it can also be used in different contexts to express surprise, annoyance, or disdain. Examples Spanish: ¡Vaya polla! No puedo creer que se haya roto otra vez. English: What a dick! I can't believe it broke again.

prenda

In Spanish slang, 'prenda' is often used to refer to a person who is very charming or attractive. It can also mean a piece of clothing or something valuable. Examples Spanish: Ella es una prenda, siempre sabe cómo hacerme sonreír. English: She is a gem, she always knows how to make me smile.

puede llorar

Literally translated as 'can cry', this phrase is often used in a sarcastic or humorous context to imply that someone has permission to cry or whine about a particular situation, often when it's considered insignificant or petty. Examples Spanish: No te compré helado, así que ya 'puedes llorar'. English: I didn't buy you ice cream, […]

pupi

A term of endearment, similar to 'baby' or 'sweetie'. Mostly used in Argentina and Uruguay. Examples Spanish: Hola, pupi, ¿cómo estás hoy? English: Hello, sweetie, how are you today?

qué hubo

A common informal greeting similar to 'What's up' or 'How's it going' in English. Generally used among friends or close acquaintances. Examples Spanish: ¡Hola Juan, qué hubo! English: Hello Juan, what's up!

que más?

A colloquial phrase used to ask 'what's up?' or 'how's it going?' Examples Spanish: Hola, ¿que más? ¿Cómo has estado? English: Hello, what's up? How have you been?

quedar como un culo

A Spanish slang phrase which is used to express that someone has done something shameful, embarrassing or has messed up in some situation. It implies they have made a fool of themselves. Examples Spanish: Después de olvidarse de sus líneas en la presentación, Juan quedó como un culo delante de todos. English: After forgetting his […]

querida

A term of affection used to refer to a loved one, similar to 'dear' or 'beloved'. It can also be used to refer to a mistress or a woman in a romantic relationship with a man who is married to another woman. Examples Spanish: Mi querida, te espero en casa para cenar. English: My dear, […]

quiubo

Informal greeting similar to 'What's up?' or 'How's it going?' in English. It's a contraction of the phrase '¿Qué hubo?' Examples Spanish: ¡Quiubo, amigo! ¿Cómo estás? English: What's up, friend! How are you?

rompoi

'Rompoi' is not a recognized term in Spanish slang. It may be a misspelling or a regional term which is not widely used. Please provide more context or check the spelling. Examples Spanish: Lo siento, pero 'rompoi' no es una frase reconocida en el argot español. English: I'm sorry, but 'rompoi' is not a recognized […]

rumba

In Spanish slang, 'rumba' is often used to refer to a party, celebration, or a good time. It can also refer to a type of dance or music genre. Examples Spanish: Este fin de semana vamos a hacer una rumba en mi casa. English: This weekend we are going to have a party at my […]

rumbearse

A colloquial term in Spanish, primarily used in Latin America, meaning to go partying or to go out to have fun. Examples Spanish: Este fin de semana vamos a rumbearse todo la noche. English: This weekend we are going to party all night.

sapear

In Chilean slang, 'sapear' means to spy on or snoop into someone else's business. Examples Spanish: No me gusta que mis vecinos siempre estén intentando sapear lo que hago. English: I don't like that my neighbors are always trying to snoop into what I'm doing.

sardino

In Spanish slang, 'sardino' is often used to refer to a young, inexperienced person. It is similar to the English slang terms 'green' or 'wet behind the ears'. Examples Spanish: Ese sardino aún tiene mucho que aprender sobre la vida. English: That young kid still has a lot to learn about life.

se le moja la canoa

This slang phrase is used to refer to someone who is losing control or getting into trouble, usually due to poor judgement or bad decisions. The literal translation is 'his/her canoe is getting wet'. Examples Spanish: Si sigue gastando dinero de esa manera, se le moja la canoa. English: If he keeps spending money that […]

seba

In Spanish slang, 'seba' is a term used predominantly in Chile and it refers to a crush or deep admiration for someone. It is used to describe a strong feeling of attraction or affection towards a person. Examples Spanish: Me gusta mucho esa chica, creo que me está dando la seba. English: I really like […]

seño

A shortened term for 'señora' or 'señorita', typically used to show respect or refer to a female teacher, similar to 'miss' or 'ma'am' in English. Examples Spanish: Seño, ¿puedo ir al baño por favor? English: Ma'am, may I go to the bathroom please?

soroco

Soroco is a Spanish slang term primarily used in Venezuela, which is used to refer to someone who is crafty or cunning. It can also be used to describe someone who is sly or tricky. Examples Spanish: No confíes en él, es muy soroco y podría engañarte. English: Don't trust him, he is very crafty […]