Popular Spanish Peruvian Slang Words
Learning Spanish Slang Expressions for Peru Travel & Peru Holidays
Aug 24, 2009
As with English, there are many Spanish slang words and expressions. Many are common in both Spain itself and throughout Latin America. Whether beginning to learn Spanish or trying to perfect it, it is both important and fun to understand the common expressions that can often form a large part of popular speech.
The Spanish word for slang is jerga, easily remembered if you think of the English word ‘jargon’. Common Peruvian slang words are not necessarily unique to Peru, but the popularity and frequency of usage can vary from country to country. A Peru vacation is a more interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable experience with a basic command of the language.
Peruvian Slang Words – Spanish Slang for a Peru Vacation
The following are good Peruvian slang words and expressions to listen out for and remember for use in every day speech:
- Bacán – ‘Cool!’ or ‘Great!’
- Chévere – used in the same way as ‘bacán’, to express delight or a positive opinion.
- Piña – literally ‘pineapple’, it is used to express bad luck or misfortune.
- Luca – listen out for this when shopping. Peruvian slang for one Peruvian Nuevo Sol, the currency of Peru. It can be used to refer to any amount of money.
- Bamba – another good one for the shops, signifying a fake or imitation product. Also used for describing fake currency.
- Chamba – ‘work’ or ‘job’. Is also used as ‘chambear’, ‘to work’.
- Por las puras – an expression often used to describe an action without worth, when doing something ‘for nothing’.
- Al toque – signifying that the speaker will do something ‘right away’. A pleasant change from the typical answer of ‘mañana’ or ‘tomorrow’.
- Pichanga – an informal soccer kick around played amongst friends. A Spanish soccer vocabulary helps immensely when traveling in soccer obsessed South America.
Peruvian Slang Words Used for Describing People
While traveling in Peru many slang expressions will be heard which are used to describe other people. Some can be used affectionately and others, depending on the manner in which they are said, can be mildly offensive. Here are a few that are likely to be heard:
- Chato – a short person, often used endearingly or humorously, sometimes as a nickname. Can also be used as a mild insult.
- Chibolo (or chibola) – a youth, normally in their late teens.
- Chibolero – Peruvian slang for a man who dates girls much younger than himself (‘chibolas’).
- Chino – literally ‘chinese’, but used to refer to any person descending from Asia. Not usually deemed as offensive.
- Flaco (or flaca) – literally used for a thin person. The female form ‘flaca’ is often used to refer to a man’s girlfriend.
- Fumón – from the verb ‘fumar’ (to smoke), signifies a heavy smoker or a pothead/stoner.
- Pata – ‘guy’ or ‘bloke’ (British English). Often used to refer to a friend.
- Pendejo – a sly, sharp man who is usually a womanizer with many conquests.
Peru Bad Words – Peruvian Slang Words & Offensive Terms (Best Not Used During a Peru Vacation)
Language in Peru has its fair share of bad words, or ‘malas palabras’. These are best learned solely for the purpose of understanding others rather than for personal use.
- Cabro – literally ‘goat’. Used as an offensive term for a homosexual.
- Concha – literally ‘shell’. In Peruvian slang it is a crude term for the female genitals. Often used before ‘…of your mother’ in the highly offensive expression ‘concha de tu madre’.
- Hijo de puta – ‘son of a bitch’.
- Huevos – literally ‘eggs’ but used to refer to testicles.
- Mierda – a Peruvian slang term used in the same fashion as ‘shit!’ in English. Often changed to ‘miercoles’ (Spanish for ‘wednesday’) to soften the blow.
While traveling in Peru it is important to remember when and where to use slang expressions. When speaking to older people or officials slang should not be used. Swear words should always be avoided. The inclusion of these in the above article is for purposes of understanding; it is not recommended that anyone travelling in Peru should use these words. For a pleasant Peru vacation, stick with formal Spanish unless speaking with friends.
Traveling in Peru, or any other country in South America, provides a great opportunity to learn the language. Spanish language schools can be found throughout South America. Have a look at the following article for some good reasons to learn Spanish in South America: Why Study Spanish in South America?
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