Learn the different meanings of the word Vaina and why it is the most important Dominican Spanish word. Don’t miss the videos with more examples.
List of Dominican Spanish Slang and Colloquial Spanish Words Used by Locals
Watchiman, chichí, motoconcho and yipeta. Do you know these words used in the Dominican Republic? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you are curious about the local Spanish vocabulary of this Caribbean paradise, you should check out our list of Dominican Spanish words. This list is part of the Speaking Latino Spanish Slang Dictionary […]
yatra
A term commonly used in Colombia, specifically in the Caribbean region. It is a way of referring to a girlfriend, a significant other, or a woman in general. It can also be used colloquially to describe a situation or event. Examples Spanish: 1) Mi yatra está en la casa. 2) La fiesta fue una yatra. […]
yeyo
In Spanish slang 'yeyo' is used to refer to a sudden sickness or fainting spell, often due to a drop in blood pressure or a stressful situation. It can also refer to an old person. Examples Spanish: Después de subir la montaña, me dio un yeyo y tuve que sentarme. English: After climbing the mountain, […]
vago
In Spanish slang, 'vago' generally refers to a lazy person, someone who is unemployed or does not want to work. Examples Spanish: Mi hermano es un vago, nunca busca trabajo. English: My brother is a slacker, he never looks for a job.
vale
A colloquial term commonly used in Spain, 'vale' is the equivalent of 'okay', 'fine', or 'alright'. It is used to show agreement or acceptance. Examples Spanish: ¿Vamos al cine esta noche? Vale, nos vemos a las 8. English: Shall we go to the cinema tonight? Okay, see you at 8.
vaquetearse
A colloquial term used in Chile that means to back out, chicken out, or give up on something at the last minute, especially after having previously agreed to it. Examples Spanish: Juan dijo que iba a saltar desde el trampolín, pero al final se vaqueteó. English: Juan said he was going to jump from the […]
vaso de agua
Literally translates to 'glass of water'. However, in slang, it is often used to refer to an easy or simple task, similar to English's 'piece of cake'. Examples Spanish: No te preocupes, ese examen va a ser un vaso de agua para ti. English: Don't worry, that exam will be a 'glass of water' for […]
vete a 10
This phrase is not standard Spanish slang and may vary by region or context. The literal translation is 'go to 10'. It could potentially mean 'go to the maximum' or 'give your all', but without context it's hard to provide a precise definition. Examples Spanish: Debido a que no es una frase estándar, no se […]
viralatas
A Brazilian Portuguese slang term that literally translates to 'street dog'. It is often used in a derogatory manner to refer to someone who is unreliable, dishonest, or of low social status Examples Spanish: No confíes en él, es un viralatas. English: Don't trust him, he's a stray dog (an unreliable person).
vocear
Slang term used in some Latin American countries, mainly in Venezuela, to describe the action of shouting or yelling to call attention or to express something loudly. Examples Spanish: Mi madre siempre me vocea cuando llego tarde a casa. English: My mother always yells at me when I arrive home late.
wachiman
A term derived from the English words 'watch' and 'man', mainly used in Peru to refer to a security guard or someone who is responsible for the safety or surveillance of a place Examples Spanish: Contratamos a un wachiman para proteger nuestra casa por la noche. English: We hired a wachiman to protect our house […]
yala
A slang term originated from Arabic which is used in Spain and means 'come on' or 'hurry up'. Examples Spanish: ¡Yala, tenemos que salir ahora o llegaremos tarde! English: Come on, we have to leave now or we'll be late!
yaniqueque or yanikeke
A term used in the Dominican Republic for a type of deep-fried bread, similar to a doughnut or johnnycake. Examples Spanish: Voy a la panadería a comprar un yaniqueque para desayunar. English: I'm going to the bakery to buy a yaniqueque for breakfast.
tullío
A slang term primarily used in Spain, 'tullío' is used to refer to someone who is a bit clumsy or clueless. Examples Spanish: Siempre pierdes las llaves, eres un tullío. English: You always lose your keys, you're such a clueless person.
tululú
A term of Argentine slang, 'tululú' refers to a person who is considered foolish or nonsensical. It can also imply someone who is acting silly or goofy. Examples Spanish: Deja de hacer el tululú y ponte a trabajar. English: Stop playing the fool and get to work.
tumba eso
A phrase used to urge someone to stop doing something, similar to 'knock it off' or 'cut it out' in English. Examples Spanish: ¡Tumba eso, no es gracioso! English: Knock it off, it's not funny!
tumbe
In Spanish slang, 'tumbe' is often used in Latin America to describe a scam or deceit. It refers to the act of tricking or cheating someone out of something, typically money. Examples Spanish: No le entregues tu dinero a ese hombre, huele a tumbe. English: Don't give your money to that man, it smells like […]
tutumpote
A uniquely Dominican slang term used to describe someone who is showy, ostentatious or likes to flaunt their wealth or possessions. Examples Spanish: Ese hombre es un tutumpote con su nuevo coche deportivo. English: That man is a show-off with his new sports car.
uraño
A term used to describe someone who is unsociable, introverted, or not friendly. Examples Spanish: Mi vecino es muy uraño, nunca sale de su casa ni habla con nadie. English: My neighbor is very unsociable, he never leaves his house or talks to anyone.
urbano
In Spanish slang, 'urbano' refers to a genre of music derived from reggaeton, including sub-genres like trap and hip hop. It is also used to describe something related to the city culture or lifestyle. Examples Spanish: Mi artista favorito de música urbana es Bad Bunny. English: My favorite urban music artist is Bad Bunny.
vaciarse
In Spanish slang, 'vaciarse' often means to leave or to bail out. It's commonly used when someone departs from a place or situation suddenly or unexpectedly. Examples Spanish: No me gustó la fiesta, así que me vacié temprano. English: I didn't like the party, so I bailed out early.
trapiar
A colloquial term used mainly in Caribbean Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. It is used to describe the act of cleaning or mopping the floor. Examples Spanish: Voy a trapiar el piso de la cocina porque está sucio. English: I'm going to mop the kitchen floor because it's dirty.
tripeo
A Dominican slang term meaning to have fun, party, or enjoy oneself. Examples Spanish: Este fin de semana vamos a ir a un tripeo con los amigos. English: This weekend we are going to have fun with friends.
tró
A shortened version of the word 'trabajo', which means 'work' in English. Examples Spanish: Voy al tró temprano mañana. English: I'm going to work early tomorrow.
tú ‘ta cloro
A Dominican slang phrase which means 'you're clear', often used to indicate that someone is smart, clever, or understands something. Examples Spanish: Ya tú ‘ta cloro sobre lo que tienes que hacer mañana, ¿verdad? English: You already know what you have to do tomorrow, right?
tú ‘ta omo
It's a Dominican slang term that means 'you are crazy' or 'you're out of your mind'. Examples Spanish: ¿Cómo vas a salir sin abrigo en este frío? ¡Tú 'ta omo! English: How are you going to go out without a coat in this cold? You're out of your mind!
tú lo ´abe
A contraction of 'tú lo sabes', which means 'you know it'. It is used in informal settings, often among close friends or family members. Examples Spanish: No tienes que explicar, tú lo 'abe. English: You don't have to explain, you know it.
toma que lleva
A Spanish slang term that can be translated as 'take that!' It is often used to express triumph or to celebrate a victory, especially after having proven someone wrong or after having achieved something challenging. Examples Spanish: ¡Gané el juego de ajedrez! ¡Toma que lleva! English: I won the chess game! Take that!
toy adelante
A phrase popularly used in some Latin American countries, especially in Dominican Republic, which means 'I'm ahead', 'I'm winning' or 'I'm doing well'. It is often used to express superiority or advantage in certain situations or competitions. Examples Spanish: No necesito tu ayuda, 'toy adelante' en mis estudios. English: I don't need your help, I'm […]