The Best Coastal Colombian Slang for Friends and Lovers
Hey there, fellow travelers! Are you planning a trip to South America soon? Then I’ve got a real treat for you: the best coastal Colombian slang for friends and lovers.
While living in Colombia for four incredible years, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture and picked up many fun words of the local dialect which I want to share with you now.
One thing I learned during my time as a Gringa Costeña is that the people on the coast have a special appreciation for words. These phrases aren’t just linguistically fascinating, they’re humorously used daily by locals!
So, fair warning: when you utter them as a traveler you may make a few new friends. Just be careful how you use these words and smile politely when you do!
Come on, let’s discover the language-based delights of Colombia’s stunning coast!
Table of Contents
The Best Coastal Colombian Slang for Friends and Lovers
Cielo
Calling someone “cielo” is like saying they’re as precious as the sky and is typically used affectionately with loved ones.
- Literal translation: the sky
- Slang appropriation: dear or darling
- Example: Hola, mi cielo, ¿cómo estás?
- Translation: Hello, my darling, how are you?
Cucho, cucha
When teasing an older friend, you might playfully call them “cucho” or “cucha” to show affection.
- Literal translation: Elderly person, old person
- Slang appropriation: Old friend
- Example: Mi cucho del barrio loco!
- Translation: My old friend from the crazy neighborhood!
Flaco, flaquita
In banter, “flaco” or “flaquita” is a casual reference to a skinny guy or girl or conversely teasing a friend with a few extra pounds.
- Literal translation: Skinny, little skinny
- Slang appropriation: Guy, girl
- Example: Flaquita, divina, ¿me pasas la sal, por favor?
- Translation: Divine girl, could you pass me the salt, please?
Gomela, gomelo
You might joke about someone being “gomelo” when they flaunt their wealth or posh lifestyle.
- Literal translation: Gummy
- Slang appropriation: Wealthy or posh person
- Example: Los gomelos siempre van a los clubes privados.
- Translation: The wealthy kids always go to private clubs.
Gorda, gordo
Using “gordo” or “gorda” with friends affectionately suggests closeness, like saying ‘buddy” or “pal,” especially if they are a little chubby, but not necessarily so (see flaco, flaquita)
- Literal translation: Fat, fatty
- Slang appropriation: Friend or buddy
- Example: ¿Qué pasa, gordita? ¿Cómo estás?
- Translation: What’s up, girlfriend? How are you?
Huevón
In a light-hearted scolding, “huevón” might be tossed around among friends poking fun at each other’s laziness.
- Literal translation: Big egg
- Slang appropriation: Lazy or stupid person
- Example: ¡No seas huevón! Termina tu tarea.
- Translation: Don’t be lazy! Finish your homework.
Llave
Calling someone “llave” or “mi llave” is like saying they’re the key to your heart, often used among close friends.
- Literal translation: Key
- Slang appropriation: Friend or buddy
- Example: Mi llave me ayudó a moverme a mi nuevo apartamento.
- Translation: My buddy helped me move to my new apartment.
Marica, maricon
A word of caution! “Marica” or “maricon” is often offensive to many but it can be used humorously among close friends or family to tease gently.
- Literal translation: one with sexual or romantic attraction to a person of the same sex
- Slang appropriation: coward, someone afraid
- Example: No seas marica, atrévete a hacerlo.
- Translation: Don’t be a coward, dare to do it.
Mona, monita
Playfully referring to a blonde person as “mona” or “monita” is a common term of admiration for their light-colored locks.
- Literal translation: Female monkey
- Slang appropriation: Blonde person
- Example: Aye, mi mona! Me encanta su cabella!
- Translation: Oh, my cutie! I love their hair!
Ñero
Among friends, “ñero” a shortened version of “compañero,” is a term for a street-savvy kid, often used with affection and camaraderie.
- Literal translation: a short way of saying compañero (partner)
- Slang appropriation: A street kid or one who is dressed unusually
- Example: ¡Ojalá! Muchos ñeros en la fiesta.
- Translation: Wow! There are many street kids at the party.
Parcero, Parce
“Parcero” or “parce” is a casual way to refer to a close friend, akin to “dude” or “mate.”
- Literal translation: Partner
- Slang appropriation: Friend or buddy
- Example: ¡Hola, parcero! ¿Qué más?
- Translation: Hey, buddy! What’s up?
Pupi, pupileta
Pronounced /poo-pee/, describing someone as “pupi” or “pupileta” suggests they’re high-class or snobbish, often said with a smirk.
- Literal translation: Slang, not sure of literal meaning
- Slang appropriation: a wealthy or snobbish person
- Example: Laura es toda una pupileta, siempre en lugares exclusivos.
- Translation: Laura is such a posh girl, always in exclusive places.
Rey, Reina
To call someone your “rey” – king – or “reina” – queen – refers to you seeing them as royalty and therefore special in your life.
- Literal translation: King or Queen
- Slang appropriation: special, royal
- Example: ¡Mi reina hermosa! Que linda tu eres.
- Translation: My beautiful queen! How pretty you are.
Trago
In a playful tone, “trago” might refer to a friend or love interest, teasingly emphasizing affection.
- Literal translation: Swallow
- Slang appropriation: friend or love interest
- Example: Mi trago dulce me regaló una sorpresa.
- Translation: My sweet friend gave me a surprise.
Vale
In Colombian slang, “vale” is a warm way to refer to a friend, akin to saying “buddy.” It’s also a cheeky way to ward off pushy vendors if you are a tourist. Replying, “Gracias, mi vale,” sends a message of “no thanks, my friend.”
- Literal translation: My voucher
- Slang appropriation: My friend or buddy
- Example: Pulseras lindas, mi vale! Pero tengo algunos.
- Translation: Nice bracelets, buddy! But I have some.
Vida
Calling someone “vida” or “mi vida” is like saying they’re your life or love, expressing deep affection and closeness.
- Literal translation: life
- Slang appropriation: Term of adoration similar to “my love”
- Example: ¡Mi vida! Te he echado mucho de menos.
- Translation: My love! I’ve missed you a lot.
Viejo, vieja
“Viejo” or “vieja” is a term that loosely means “old person” but, for a close friend, it implies a deep bond and shared history.
- Literal translation: Old man, old woman
- Slang appropriation: Term of endearment for a close friend
- Example: Hola, viejo, ¿cómo estás?
- Translation: Hi, buddy, how are you?
Wrap Up
So, there you have it—your crash course in coastal Colombian slang! Whether you’re planning your first trip or a seasoned traveler like me, sprinkling some of these words into your conversations will create an authentic and memorable experience.
Are you ready to pack your carry-on, brush up on your slang, and begin an epic adventure along the coast of Colombia? ¡Apuraté, vamos! Let’s Go!
Some of My Favorite Companies to use for Travel Planning
Here are some of my favorite companies where you can find information, score great deals, and take the stress out of travel planning. These are affiliate links, which means that if you take action on a link, such as book accommodations, rent a car, or buy products through the link posted, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!
- Book the best flight! CheapOair.com is easy to use. Did you know, that in 1920, South America’s first airline made its maiden flight from Barranquilla!?
- Enjoy your stay! Booking.com offers great deals on BnBs, hotels, houses, and single-room stays, from Tolú to Santa Marta!
- Don’t be hostile! Book a hostel. HostelWorld.com offers amazing hostels worldwide. I’ve stayed in many hostels in Colombia and loved almost all of them.
- Find unique things to do and see! Use Viator or Get Your Guide for the best tours and experiences – Colombia has hundreds of fun things to do and see.
- Lounge in style! Priority Pass offers a membership with access to over 1,400 VIP lounges and guest passes to airports like CTG – in my old neighborhood, Crespo.