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How to Speak like a Colombian? Guide to Slang and Expressions by Regions

Men talking in the central park of Jardín Antioquia

Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!

If you’re wondering, “How do Colombians speak?” No, not everyone sounds like the women in narco series (you’ve probably seen one on Netflix).

Colombia is a country with a rich variety of dialects, which means that even though Spanish is spoken throughout the country, each region has its own distinctive accent and unique words.

So, what’s next? We’ve put together this little guide to help you feel prepared and understand everything being said in the region you want to visit.

What is a dialect?

A dialect is a variation of a language spoken in a specific area, essentially regional speech. We won’t delve into more linguistic definitions, but it’s important to understand this concept to grasp why Colombian Spanish isn’t homogeneous.

Why are there regional dialects in Colombia?

  • Diversity in every corner: With 49 million Spanish speakers, the language is experienced in many ways across Colombia. Geography and history have woven a tapestry of unique dialects.
  • What’s going on? People on Colombia’s Pacific coast speak differently from those on the Caribbean coast, and the Cundiboyacense and Llanera regions have their own distinctive pronunciations. While they can understand each other, there are notable differences.
  • Diverse roots: The cultural fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences has created a colorful and varied Spanish, with accents and phrases that change from region to region.
  • Two major families: In Colombia, Spanish divides into coastal accents, lively and fluid, and interior accents, more conservative. Additionally, there are around 65 indigenous dialects, further enriching our language.

What is slang?

  • Think of slang as the WhatsApp of languages. It’s a unique dialect of specific social groups, mixed with everyday language. It varies greatly from one region to another.
  • Hard to understand? Sure, if you’re not in the club. But in Colombia, you’re quickly embraced. You’ll feel so at home that you’ll end up learning not just one, but many of these colloquial expressions.
  • More than words. Slang reflects the culture of a place. It mirrors daily life, history, work, and family ties at a specific point in time. It’s what we call “popular colloquial language.”
  • Where do they come from? Passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, these words travel through generations. And not only that, they’ve crossed seas and now the whole world hears and uses them. Other slang terms are more recent and spread quickly thanks to the internet.

Common Colombian slang by regions

From ‘parce’ to ‘chimba,’ discover how language varies in some of its main dialects. Especially if you’re a curious traveler wanting to speak like a local.

Caribbean Coast Slang

The Colombian Caribbean, known for its warm climate and spectacular beaches, includes the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain.

Notable cities include Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Valledupar, where much of their culture is reflected in Colombia’s most popular festival, the Barranquilla Carnival.

How do Coastal People Speak?

They have a style of speaking where they shorten words and talk quickly. They often use an aspirated “s” at the end of syllables. Also, they constantly use the informal “you.” You’ll notice they have many influences from other Caribbean countries.

Their most common slang includes:

  • ¡Ajo!: An expression used when someone is lying and everyone knows it.
  • A calzón quitao’: Without fear, frankly.
  • Aguacatao: Bored or very simple.
  • Arrebatao(a): Crazy.
  • Arrutanado: Poor.
  • Avispado(a): Crafty person.
  • Bagre: Ugly person.
  • Barro: Dirty trick.
  • Barras: Money.
  • Biche: Immature person.
  • Birria: Vice.
  • Bollito: Attractive person.
  • Bochinche: A lot of noise.
  • Cipote: Big.
  • Cógela suave: “Calm down.”
  • ¡Eche!: An expression preceding surprise or indignation.
  • Encoñao(a): Someone in an intense romantic relationship.
  • ¡Erda!: An expression preceding anger or admiration. ¡Erda, you’re so annoying!
  • Gorrear: To get drunk at someone else’s expense.
  • Juma: Drunkenness.
  • Muñequera: Fistfight.
  • Parranda or foforro: Party.
  • Pelaos: Kids, teenagers.
  • Popoche: Loaded with money.
  • Pleque pleque: Fight or disorder.
  • Tombo: Police officer.
  • Tronco: Something big or impressive.
  • Vi’te: “I warned you!”

Other coastal expressions you’ll hear a lot:

¡Cule frío!: A phrase emphasizing the good or bad qualities of something, also used to mean “a lot.” E.g., “¡qué cule frío!” or “¡qué cule zapatos!” (whether ugly or nice).

“¡Ajá, sigue pensando que la marimonda es mico!”: Used to indicate someone is wrong or has a mistaken idea.

“¡Es que de verdad se pasa e’ piña oye!”: Used to express frustration or annoyance.

Hoy amanecí de genio bajito y con puntería en la chancleta”: Means someone woke up in a bad mood.

“¡Tanto pelaito en el mundo muriéndose de hambre y tú ahí de remilgoso!”: Said when someone is picky with their food.

“¡Deja la mamadera de gallo!”: When someone tells you to stop messing around.

Bogotá Slang

Bogotá isn’t just the capital of Colombia; it’s the heart of the nation. Here, production and innovation go hand in hand, leading the export of the latest trends.

Bogotanos, often called ‘rolos,’ are stereotyped as serious and not very fond of dancing. But that’s just a cliché. Everyone has their own rhythm, though generally, they don’t show as much spirit as Colombians from warmer regions.

How do Bogotanos Speak?

You’ve probably heard that the Spanish spoken here is impeccable. The Bogotá accent is considered neutral and very soft, with longer intonations on the vowels. However, the city is full of diverse accents and slang, influenced by the unique social context of its people.

Check out our Bogotá travel guide too.

Common Slang in Bogotá:

  • Ala: An interjection used at the beginning or end of a sentence (not so common now). E.g., “You won’t believe what I did yesterday, ala.”
  • Aguanta: Worth it. A plan is aguanta if it’s fun, and a person is aguanta if they’re attractive.
  • Áspero: Something very good or excellent.
  • Bacán(a): A nice person.
  • Bizcocho: An attractive person.
  • Boleta: Ridiculous, in poor taste.
  • Caché: Classy, elegant.
  • ¡Carachas!: Expression of surprise.
  • Ceba: Disgust, dislike.
  • Changua: Bogotá soup with cilantro, onion, milk, and eggs.
  • Chévere: Good, nice.
  • Farra: Party.
  • Gadejo: Annoyance.
  • Gomelo(a): From a wealthy, upper-class family.
  • Güeva: A clumsy or foolish person.
  • Guiso: Someone who dresses or speaks poorly, often used derogatorily towards lower-class people.
  • Hágale: Used to encourage someone to do something immediately.
  • Jincho: Drunk.
  • Mono/a: Refers to a blonde or red-haired person.
  • Man: Used to refer to a young man.
  • Mamera: Laziness or annoyance. E.g., “This bipolar Bogotá weather is such a mamera.”
  • Sapo: A person who can’t keep a secret.
  • Showsero: Someone who draws attention.
  • Quiay/Quiubo: Friendly greeting, short for ‘qué hay’ or ‘qué hubo.’
  • Tenaz: Difficult.
  • Tener huevo: To be abusive or shameless.
  • Tusa: Heartbreak.
  • Vieja: Refers to a young or older woman.
  • Vale huevo: It doesn’t matter!

“¡Quiubo! ¿Bien o no?” A common friendly greeting. “Quiubo” is short for “qué hubo,” meaning “what’s up?”

“Buenas, veci, ¿me regala unas papitas?” This phrase is common in neighborhood stores. “Veci” is a friendly term for the person serving you, and “me regala” actually means “sell me.”

“Ojo, no de papaya con ese celular.” Besides being a fruit, “papaya” means giving someone an opportunity to harm you. If they say “no de papaya,” they’re warning you not to be careless.

“Todo bien, ¡fresco!” Used to tell someone to relax because there’s no problem.

“¡Me sacó la piedra!” If someone makes you angry, say this.

“¡De una, me le mido!” This means accepting a challenge or a bet. E.g., “- Shall we go paragliding? – ¡De una, me le mido!

“¿Estás amañado en Colombia?” If you’re “amañado,” you’ve gotten used to living in Colombia.

“¿Pola o miedo?” Pola means beer. If someone says this, get ready to go out for beers with friends, unless you’re scared.

“No moleste, vaya y ¡coja oficio!” Tell this to someone meddling in a situation that’s none of their business.

“¡Ábrase como la yuca!” If you want someone to leave, say this.

“¡Apague y vámonos!” When you see no progress and decide to give up. For example, if your team is losing a soccer game: “No, ¡apague y vámonos!

“Estoy desparchado.” If you have nothing productive to do, you’re “desparchado.” E.g., when you’re “desparchado” at home and call your friends to hang out.

Boyacá Slang

In Boyacá, you’ll find colonial landscapes and architecture. This department will not only captivate you with its beauty but also surprise you as the country’s main potato producer and the world’s top emerald producer.

Don’t miss the Laguna de Tota and Playa Blanca, a slice of paradise in Boyacá, or the hot springs of Paipa. It’s the recharge your body and soul need.

How do Boyacenses Speak?

Here, words are dressed in elegance. Diminutives and the use of “sumercé” instead of “usted” add a special touch to the language. You’ll hear linguistic adaptations aimed at beautifying conversations.

When you visit this beautiful department, get used to being treated kindly and hearing these words:

  • A yo: To myself, me.
  • Antón: Then.
  • Arrejuntarse: To get close.
  • Atisbe: Expression to call attention or be alert to an action.
  • Bolear quimba: To dance or walk a lot.
  • Boyaco: Short for someone from Boyacá.
  • Chirrinche: Country aguardiente.
  • ¿Cómo se topa?: How are you?
  • Chirriquitico/a: Very small.
  • De raca mandaca: The best.
  • Entualito: Soon, quickly, or in a hurry.
  • Embejucado(a): In a bad mood, grumpy.
  • Emborrachecido: Drunk.
  • Fermosura: Beauty.
  • Jediondo: A perceptive person, lucky, or hardworking.
  • Jondear: (pronounced “jondiar”) Expression asking for a change of position. E.g., “jondiele” means “move” or “get out of the way.”
  • Jueque: Variation of “fue que,” meaning “it was when.”
  • Jurgo: A lot, plenty.
  • La patrona: The Virgin of Chiquinquirá.
  • Patiarse: To observe something or someone.
  • Sumercé: A respectful way to address someone, from the old Spanish “su merced.” The most popular word in this region.
  • Taitas: Parents.
  • Taita: Father.
  • Ústele: An expression of admiration, equivalent to “Wow!” or “spectacular!”
  • Vuelta al perro: Walking around downtown Tunja as a fun pastime.
  • Yelo: Ice.

More Boyacá Expressions:

“¡El que tiene boca se equivoca, el que tiene jeta, no se meta!” Said often when people recognize a mistake.

“¡El que tenga tienda que la atienda, y si no, que la venda!” Used a lot when people go to a neighborhood store and no one attends to them.

“¡Al pan pan, y al vino, vino! Said when people are straightforward and generally keep their word.

“¡Indio comido, indio ido!” When someone is in a hurry, receives food, and leaves immediately. Slightly rude.

Paisa Slang

The “paisas” are the proud inhabitants of Antioquia and the Coffee Axis (Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío). This term signifies not only their geographical roots but also their rich culture, from their accent to their traditions.

Antioquia shines with Medellín, its capital, followed by gems like Bello, Envigado, and Itagüí. Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia represent the Coffee Axis.

While visiting this region, you must try Paisa cuisine. Check out our blog on typical dishes from different regions of Colombia.

How do the paisas speak?

Known for their friendly and distinctive accent, the paisa accent is considered the most charming in Colombia. They speak with a clear and pronounced enunciation of consonants, especially “s” and “r,” which tend to be stronger and longer.

Diminutives are commonly used, like “pequeñito” (tiny) and “grandecito” (a bit big). They also frequently use the formal “usted.” Their almost musical accent has become the sound of Colombia around the world.

Common slang in this region includes:

  • Achilado: someone broke.
  • A las mil maravillas: perfect, great.
  • Arepado: someone very lucky.
  • Amarrao: stingy.
  • ¡Ave María!: expression of surprise at something terrible.
  • Atembao: slow, clueless.
  • Bareto/a: marijuana.
  • Bejuco: angry – “estar bejuco” (to be angry).
  • Berraco: hardworking and resilient person.
  • Charro: something or someone very funny.
  • Cucho(a): old person, mom, or dad.
  • Cháchara: nonsensical talk.
  • Chichipato: stingy, unreliable.
  • Chimba: something extraordinary; female genitalia.
  • Chirrete: poorly dressed person.
  • Estrén: new clothes.
  • Foquiarse: to fall asleep.
  • Gadejo: desire to annoy.
  • Gringo/a: foreigner, often white or red-haired.
  • Gonorrea: something unpleasant or bad.
  • Guaro: aguardiente, a typical drink.
  • Gurre: ugly person.
  • La buena: all good, best wishes.
  • Lucas: money.
  • Mamacita / Papacito: very attractive person.
  • Mañe: person with bad taste.
  • Parce/parcero(a): friend.
  • Paisa: maize grower, mountain person.
  • Parche: good social atmosphere, plan, group of friends, cool person.
  • Peye: something bad or in bad taste.
  • Rebusque: making a living with whatever work is available.
  • Tacaño: stingy.
  • Tragao: deeply in love.
  • Titino: very elegant.
  • Visaje: showy. Someone trying to get attention is a “visajoso.” Wearing flashy gold accessories on the street is giving “visaje.”
  • Voltiarepas: someone who changes their mind easily.
  • Zangarria: someone who dances disorderly.
  • Zunga: a flirtatious woman.
  • Zurrón: fool, idiot.

Common paisa expressions

“¿Qué más?” or “¿qué más, pues?”: A greeting meaning “What’s new?”

Echar los perros: Flirting or hitting on someone.

“¡Párame bolas, pues!: Asking someone to pay attention.

“Uy no, ¡’paila’!: Expression of resignation or that something is wrong. E.g., if you’re late to work on your first day and aren’t allowed in, or if you get a bad grade, “¡paila!” means you’re out of luck.

Ja, ¡oílo!”: Used to question or show disbelief in what someone says. E.g., “I got back with my ex.” – “Ja, ¡oílo!”

“¡Uy mero lapo!: When it starts raining heavily.

“¡Ave maría, pues!” or “¡Eh, Ave María!: Used to express surprise at anything impressive.

“Sudar la camiseta: Working hard or committing to something. E.g., helping friends study for exams is “sudar la camiseta.”

“¡Oigan a mi tío!”: Not referring to an actual uncle but expressing disapproval. E.g., “Let’s skip class and drink beer.” – “¡Oigan a mi tío!”

“¡Hágale sin mente!”: Do it without overthinking. E.g., if you’re afraid to jump into a river, someone might say: “Don’t overthink it, ¡hágale sin mente!”

“¡Póngale la firma!: Indicating certainty. E.g., “It’s going to rain tomorrow. ¡Póngale la firma!”

Pasto Slang

Pasto awaits you in the south, almost reaching out to Ecuador. Its cold mountain climate is perfect for exploring its rich natural environment, from minerals like copper and emeralds to its diverse wildlife.

How do the people from Pasto speak?

The blend of mestizo and indigenous cultures enriches every conversation with a calm and sweet accent, making you feel at home from the first “hello.”

People from Pasto speak slowly with elongated vowel sounds. They also incorporate words of Quechua origin, a traditional indigenous language. So, many expressions you’ll hear are unique to this region of Colombia.

Common slang you’ll hear includes:

  • Achalay: expression of applause or approval, means ‘how lovely!’
  • Achichay: expression to say “how cold!”
  • Achichuy: expression to say “how hot!”
  • Aragán(a): someone who wants to take advantage, rude.
  • Arriado: very fast.
  • Asolapado(a): someone who hides their true intentions.
  • Atatay: disgusting.
  • Bambaro: useless person.
  • Bololoi: mess, problem.
  • Cacha: friend.
  • Chichirimico: to throw money into the air.
  • Chuta: hat.
  • Chumado: drunk person.
  • Cumbamba: lower chin.
  • Cuy: guinea pig, a signature dish of local cuisine.
  • Guagua: child.
  • Guargüero: neck.
  • Juepuchica: expression of anger.
  • Líchigo: liar.
  • Maltón: person entering adulthood.
  • Mamarón: big, lazy person; tall but childish.
  • Mueco: toothless person.
  • Muérgano: bad, disobedient.
  • Ñero: companion.
  • Peliaringo: someone who likes to fight.
  • Pico: kiss.
  • Zumbar: to throw.

Other expressions you might hear

A las quinientas: used to indicate that something will happen after a long time or with much delay. E.g., Juan always arrives “a las quinientas” to meetings, we can never start on time.

Ah, berraco: an expression of amazement or to comment on someone’s behavior. E.g., When Marta saw the size of the turkey at dinner, she exclaimed: “Ah, berraco, that’s huge!”

Ahisito nomás: means “right there, please,” to ask someone to stay close. E.g., “Wait ahisito nomás while I get the car.”

Pacific Slang

Cali, Buenaventura, Tumaco, and Quibdó await you with an explosion of life. Their humid climate is perfect for whale watching, spotting turtles, and a myriad of birds. The biodiversity here is simply astounding!

Don’t leave without trying chontaduro, an exotic aphrodisiac fruit that, with a touch of honey, will win you over.

How do people in the Pacific speak?

Chocoano Spanish is mainly spoken in Chocó and extends along the Pacific coast to Ecuador. The African influence is notable in this accent as most speakers are of African descent.

The Vallecaucano accent is typical of southwestern Colombia, especially in the Valle del Cauca with Cali as the capital. This accent is characterized by a particular intonation, the use of “vos” instead of “tú,” and the aspiration of some “s” sounds.

If you’re visiting this region, you should know these slang terms:

  • Arrecha: cheerful and enthusiastic person.
  • Arribetiado: happy, joyful.
  • Atravesao: daring.
  • Atarantao: clumsy person who does things hastily.
  • Atembao: person who doesn’t understand.
  • Bemba: mouth.
  • Bambao: person wearing flashy rings and chains.
  • Borondo: stroll.
  • Boro: group of friends gathering.
  • Bundear: to join a bunde, a party.
  • Bienacido: person endowed with beauty.
  • Calentura: excitement, sexual arousal.
  • Caleto: to have a lot of money.
  • Cambambero: party person.
  • Cayetano: “be quiet.”
  • Catorce: favor.
  • Comeviejo: used for kids who meddle in adult conversations.
  • Chuspa: bag.
  • Embelezado: distracted by something.
  • Entucar: to kiss.
  • Envichao: drunk from drinking viche, a Pacific Colombian liquor.
  • Faenas: activities or work.
  • Gracielas: thank you.
  • Kilele: party.
  • Lukas: money.
  • Ñingri: a little bit.
  • Oís: way to call people.
  • Pálida: dizziness or nervous shock.
  • Percha: clothing.
  • Quichi: dog.
  • Revolú: gathering that ends in a party.
  • Tamba: when someone scrapes the pot of food.
  • Tumbalocas: a very flirtatious man.
  • Trucha: “move” or “get out of the way.”
  • Tieso: stiff in dancing.
  • Tumbar: to cheat in a deal.
  • Vamos pa’ ve’: let’s go see.
  • Ve: way to call people, used at the beginning of a sentence.
  • Viche: artisanal liquor.
  • Yeyo: fainting.

Other expressions you might hear:

Mirá, ve”: probably the most famous Vallecaucano expression, used to draw attention to what will be said or shown next.

Vojabés: short for “vos sabés,” to indicate pride.

“¡Aguanta la lancha!”: telling someone to wait and be patient.

Ando bien asao, ¿oís?: I’m broke.

“¡Despegala.com!”: telling someone to leave immediately.

¡Vamos es a azotar baldosa!, ¿oís?: inviting someone to a party to dance salsa or any other dance.

¡Está muy tetiado!”: indicating a place is very crowded. E.g., The club “está muy tetiada.”

“¡Uy tutui!”: used to compliment someone. E.g., when your girlfriend wears a stunning dress for a date.

“¡Nospi!”: see you later.

“¡Me voy como un lulo!: said when someone looks very elegant and well-dressed when going out.

Santander Slang

Santander is the perfect region for a nature adventure, offering everything from crystal-clear rivers for rafting to mountains for paragliding. Located in the eastern range, north of Boyacá, it’s a gem waiting to be explored.

One local delicacy you can’t miss is the “hormigas culonas” (big-bottomed ants). More than just an exotic snack, they represent an ancestral tradition that highlights the rich culture of Santander.

How Do Santandereans Speak?

It’s said that Santandereans have a strong character, which is reflected in their unique way of speaking. Their distinctive, punchy accent is a sign of their forward-thinking personality. So, if they sound direct, they’re not angry; it’s just their way of talking.

Here are some common Santanderean phrases:

  • Arrecho: Angry.
  • Arremuesco: Refers to someone’s boyfriend.
  • Amenito: Just so.
  • Argollero: Deceiver.
  • Buche: Stomach.
  • Chingua: Broth.
  • Coñazo: Punch.
  • Dárselas de (algo): To pretend to be something you’re not.
  • Hijuelita: Exclamation, like “damn!”
  • Jarto, jincho: Drunk.
  • Jeta: Mouth.
  • Joda: Situation or feeling of annoyance.
  • Jijuemil: A large, numerous amount.
  • Juetera: Beating or scolding.
  • Joche: A slow person.
  • Mano: A close person, friend.
  • Oora: Expression of surprise, admiration, or strangeness.
  • Pingo: Fool, a harmless critique.
  • Sute: Scrawny.
  • Toche: Foolish, unintelligent person.
  • Tiestazo: A hard hit or fall.
  • Tantico: A little bit.

Other Santanderean expressions you might hear:

“¡Eso qué hijuemadres, lo que jue, jue! Used to show determination to do something risky. Example: “Why are you jumping from such a height? You could get hurt!” “¡Eso qué hijuemadres, lo que jue, jue! It will be an amazing experience!”

¡Que joda tan arrecha, mano! Said when someone is very upset or in a bad mood.

“¡Que le den una juetera!” Used to ask for someone to be beaten up badly.

“¡Lárgueme esa joda!” To ask someone to hand over an object.

“¡Quiubo, mano, qué pajó! A popular informal greeting among friends.

Chiripa When someone wins by pure luck. Example: In a football match, when a team wins by luck, “they won by pura chiripa.”

Puro al sieso Used to express disappointment. Example: When you don’t like the food at a restaurant – “This soup is ‘puro al sieso!’ It has no flavor.”

Eastern Plains Slang

The Eastern Plains are known for their vast grasslands, gas and oil reserves, and the joropo, a type of music that tells everyday stories. This region, extending to Venezuela, is a treasure of Colombia.

You can’t leave without trying the ternera llanera, hallaca, or piqué de polo—dishes that are the heart of their cuisine.

How Do Llaneros Speak?

Their speech, a mix of old Spanish and indigenous influences, is special, fast, and full of gestures. The “s” sound here is pronounced strongly, giving a distinctive touch to their communication.

Here are some common Llanero phrases:

  • Amorochao’: Stuck to another person.
  • Baquiano: An expert in Llanero paths, knowledgeable about the region.
  • Campirana: Peasant.
  • Cámarita: Friendship.
  • Chulo: Buzzard.
  • Fachoso: Conceited person.
  • Jeta: Mouth.
  • Jincho: Drunk.
  • Nariceado: A person forced to do something.
  • Lisonjero: Pleasant.
  • Pariente: Friend.
  • Pajudo: Liar.
  • Penca: Beautiful woman.
  • Picuriar: To run away from something.
  • Pija: Expression of anger, object, or action.

Other Llanero expressions you might hear:

“¡Pija, pariente! The most typical greeting among friends and strangers.

“¡Haga esa pija bien!” Means to do something well, not half-heartedly.

“¡Pija chico, no joda! An expression of surprise.

“¡Voy cabresteado!” Used when someone is carried away by something. E.g. “I’m cabresteado with sleep!”, “I’m cabresteado with laziness!”

“¡Mano vuelta!” When someone asks for help with a task, whether in the community or the field.

Amazonian Slang

The Amazon is a place teeming with life, where nature triumphs over civilization. Occupying 42% of the country, this region is vital not just for Colombia but for the entire planet, known as the lungs of the world for its vast jungles.

How Do People Speak in the Amazon?

While many communities speak native indigenous languages, those who speak Spanish do so with a unique accent: neutral and slow-paced. This way of speaking reflects the calm and depth of the Amazon.

If you ever visit this part of the country, you’re sure to hear these local expressions:

  • Agregado: A person living on a property without being related to the owner.
  • Boruga: A nocturnal rodent, also slang for prostitute.
  • Caboco: Mestizo.
  • Cachaza: Brazilian aguardiente.
  • Cocha: Lagoon.
  • Chagra: Small farm.
  • Chela: Beer.
  • Curaca: Indigenous governor of a reservation or council.
  • Egua: Expression of admiration or disbelief.
  • Inshirido: Flirty.
  • Ishi: Expression of disdain.
  • Macumba: To practice witchcraft.
  • Pana: Fellow countryman.
  • Tucupí: Regional chili pepper.
  • Tunchi: Evil spirit.

We also invite you to check out our Amazon travel guide

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About Author

Frank

Frank

Hello! I'm Frank Spitzer, the founder and the heart behind Pelecanus, a specialized tour operator for Colombia travel. My journey in travel is vast and rich – I've explored over 60 countries, absorbing cultures, experiences, and stories along the way. Since 2017, I've been channeling this wealth of global experience into creating unforgettable travel experiences in Colombia. I'm recognized as a leading authority in Colombian tourism, with a deep-seated passion for sharing this beautiful country with the world. You can catch glimpses of my travel adventures and insights around Colombia on my YouTube channel. I'm also active on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where I share the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Colombia. For professional networking, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Join me on this incredible journey, and let's explore the wonders of Colombia together!