A yellow, blue, and red Colombian flag flies next to a sign for the Inmueble Patrimonial Poeta Julio Florez in Usiacuri, Colombia, photo ©Kate Dana
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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!

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?
A colorful purple and pink neon sign against a green vine backdrop reads "Todo lo que hagas, hazlo con amor" in this photo ©Kate Dana

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?
A blonde person smiles next to a person with dark hair in this outdoor image captured during a parade in Cartagena, Colombia, "cara a cara," face to face or cheek to cheek, they smile warmly at the camera in this photo ©Kate Dana
My beautiful, Costeña friend with the nickname “Gordie” is anything but fat! photo ©Kate Dana

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.
A sign tells the Receta Secreta of 2 cups of inspriación, 500 grams of amor, 300 grams of sabor, 1 huevo (egg) of patience, and whip with gusto in this black and white wall sign photographed in Colombia by ©Kate Dana

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.
Four people with contrasting skin tones, bright smiles, and casual clothing, smile collectively at the camera with a small booth in the background that reads "punto de pago" in this close-up photo taken in Cartagena, Colombia by ©Kate Dana
With mis llaves de Cartagena, Colombia – my sweet friends! | photo ©Kate Dana

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!
A green neon sign reads Quedó, mono monooo!! against green leaves in this photo from Colombia by ©Kate Dana

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.
A bright pink neon sign reads "Nunca dudes de todo el amor que mereces" - Never doubt all the love you deserve- against pink roses and a pink wall in this photo from Cartagena, Colombia by ©Kate Dana

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.
Enjoy this awesome video for La Pupileta by Cartagena’s Bazurto All Stars!

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.
A screenshot of a text exchange between Valentina Guzman, Miss Colombia 2022, and Kate Dana, founder of Cocameca, in which the term "reina" is used with endearment, photo ©Kate Dana
Screenshot of a text with Valentina Guzman, Miss Colombia 2022: a real reina! | photo ©Kate Dana

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.
A white and aqua neon sign reads "bienvenidos a VIDA," welcome to life, rests against a green vine-covered backdrop with a hand holding a frozen, yellow popsicle on a blue stick in the foreground in this photo taken in Colombia by ©Kate Dana

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

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