Top 10 Colombian Slang Terms
I’m never entirely sure of the source of this claim, but I’ve been told on many occasions that Colombian Spanish is the world’s most ‘neutral’ sort.
While I can certainly vouch for the fact that the Colombian accent (in most of the country) is clear and undoubtedly pleasant sounding, the actual use of Spanish language is not 100% ‘neutral’ in the strictest sense of the word. There is a lot of slang. Chat to any local and you’ll quickly see what I’m talking about.
Below, I outline ten of the most common Colombian slang words and phrases you’ll need, whether you’re in the country for just a week or for a year:
1. ¿Qué más?
Colombians like to greet friends like this: “¡Hola! ¿Qué más?”. While you may, at first, think this means “Hi! What else?” it is actually just a local way to say “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”. It is used in much the same way as “¿Cómo estás?” and you can respond to it identically (i.e. by saying “muy bien, ¿y tú?”).
2. Man / Vieja
Forget the standard Spanish words of “hombre” and “mujer” to refer to men and women; in Colombia these two slang terms are much more popular. The English word “man”, but pronounced in a Colombian way, is a widespread label for a “guy” or a “dude”. The term “vieja”, which technically means “old woman”, is, in reality, used to talk about women between the ages of about 15 and 50.
Looking to turbo charge your Colombian Spanish?
Fast track from dull ‘textbook Spanish’ to sounding like a native with my Colombian Spanish Language Hacks email course.
Sign up now for 7 days of expert tips that will instantly transform your Spanish!
3. Parce, Parcero/a
This is the slang word Colombians use for referring to a “friend”. It is basically the local version of the word “amigo”. (I’ve provided some example sentences to demonstrate how to use “ in another post.)
4. Bacano / Chévere
Want to say something is “really good” or “cool”? Don’t limit yourself to saying that it is “muy bueno” and instead go for one of these two hugely popular local terms.
5. Rumbear
“Rumba” is technically a sort of music/dance originating in Cuba, but in Colombia it invariably means a “party”. “Rumbear” is “to go partying”.
SEE ALSO: Join the Facebook community of Colombian Spanish lovers
6. Parche
Dictionaries will tell you that the word “parche” translate as “patch”. Not in Colombia though. Here it means something like: “a group of friends getting together to do something”. Those who don’t have that much going on in their social life are described as “desparchado” i.e. without a “parche” to get involved with.
7. Guaro
A popular term for the nation’s favourite tipple “aguardiente”: an aniseed flavoured spirit drink. Most foreigners don’t tend to find the drink massively delicious, but it sure is popular among Colombians.
8. Harto
“Harto” is a common term meaning “a lot of” or “a ton of” e.g. “en el español colombiano hay harto modismos” (“In Colombian Spanish there is a ton of slang”).
9. Vaina
This is a word with a million and one meanings, but, for the most part, it is a rough equivalent of the word “stuff” or “thing”. For example: 1. “¿Qué estabas leyendo?” 2. “No sé, una vaina sobre Colombia” (1. “What were you reading?” 2. “Dunno, some Colombia thingy”).
10. ¡De una!
An enthusiastic way to say “yes, absolutely!” or “yes, let’s do it!”. In conversation this might go as follows: 1. “¿Quieres ir a rumbear este viernes?” 2. “¡De una!” (1. “Do you want to go out this Friday?” 2. “Absolutely!”).
Become a Colombian Spanish Superhero!
Gain the superpowers of charm and charisma when speaking Spanish.
Sign up for the Colombian Spanish video course today to transform your language skills from ordinary to extraordinary.
English Words That Colombians Love
Speaking natural-sounding Spanish is all about learning how to use the exact same words that locals do, in the exact same contexts. Your teacher or textbook might tell you the correct way to speak, but on the streets of Bogota or Cali, many of these phrases just won’t cut it. Rather than obsessing over how to say things in a technically perfect way, my advice would be to embrace the local variations and imitate them as far as possible.
Colombian Slang Basics #3: “Chévere” and “Bacano”
“Chévere” is a popular word for “cool” that is heard throughout Colombia, though it is not exclusive to that country. The population in neighbouring Venezuela, for instance, also enjoy using it a fair old amount. Understanding the types of context in which this term is heard is a straightforward affair, given that it is used in almost exactly the same way as its English equivalent.