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100+ Medellin Slang Expressions You Need to Know to Dive into Colombian Culture

Roland Hayes

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Published in Paisa For Gringos: 100 Medellin Slang Expressions You Need To Know

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Medellín, the vibrant and captivating capital of Antioquia, Colombia, is renowned for its rich culture and captivating slang expressions. As you immerse yourself in the city's bustling streets and engage with its friendly locals, mastering a few essential slang terms will enhance your understanding of local conversations and unlock the true essence of Medellin's unique character. This comprehensive guide delves into the vibrant world of Medellin slang, providing an extensive list of over 100 expressions along with their meanings and detailed explanations to help you navigate the city like a local.

Essential Phrases for Everyday Interactions

Bacano - Awesome, cool, or amazing (e.g., "Esta fiesta está bacana!" - "This party is amazing!")

Parce - Buddy, dude, or friend (e.g., "Hola, parce!" - "Hey, buddy!")

Chévere - Cool, nice, or great (e.g., "La película estuvo chévere!" - "The movie was great!")

A la orden - You're welcome, or at your service (e.g., "Gracias." - "You're welcome." "A la orden.")

Tranquilo - Calm down, relax, or no worries (e.g., "No te preocupes, tranquilo." - "Don't worry, relax.")

Slang for Transportation and Food

Buseta - Small bus (e.g., "Voy a tomar una buseta al centro." - "I'm going to take a bus downtown.")

Tinto - Black coffee (e.g., "Me tomo un tinto en la mañana." - "I drink a cup of black coffee in the morning.")

Arepa - Traditional cornmeal flatbread (e.g., "Me encanta comer arepas con queso." - "I love eating arepas with cheese.")

Mondongo - Tripe soup (e.g., "Mondongo es un plato típico colombiano." - "Mondongo is a typical Colombian dish.")

Fresco - Fruit juice (e.g., "Me gusta tomar un fresco de mango." - "I like to drink mango juice.")

Informal Terms for People and Relationships

Guiro - A goofy or eccentric person (e.g., "Mi hermano es un guiro." - "My brother is a bit of a goofball.")

Mona - A beautiful woman (e.g., "Vi una mona en la discoteca." - "I saw a beautiful woman at the disco.")

Parche - A group of friends (e.g., "Vamos a reunirnos con el parche." - "Let's hang out with our friends.")

Novio/Novia - Boyfriend/Girlfriend (e.g., "Mi novia es muy linda." - "My girlfriend is very pretty.")

Pegao - Attached to someone or something (e.g., "Estoy pegado a mi celular." - "I'm attached to my cell phone.")

Expressions for Daily Life and Activities

Chicanear - To brag or boast (e.g., "No me gusta chicanear." - "I don't like to brag.")

Echar los perros - To flirt (e.g., "Ayer le eché los perros a una chica." - "Yesterday I flirted with a girl.")

Gozar - To have fun or enjoy oneself (e.g., "Estoy gozando mucho en esta fiesta." - "I'm having a lot of fun at this party.")

Mamadera de gallo - Nonsense or lies (e.g., "No me vengas con mamadera de gallo." - "Don't give me any nonsense.")

Rumba - Party or celebration (e.g., "Vamos a rumbear esta noche." - "Let's go party tonight.")

Advanced Slang for Local Culture

Arriero - Muleteer or a hardworking person (e.g., "Soy un arriero que trabaja duro." - "I'm a hard-working muleteer.")

Parcero - A close friend or confidant (e.g., "Mi parcero siempre está ahí para mí." - "My close friend is always there for me.")

Tucán - A person who talks too much (e.g., "Ese man es un tucán." - "That guy talks too much.")

Varilla - A thin or skinny person (e.g., "Mi amigo es una varilla." - "My friend is very thin.")

Yeyo - A wealthy or sophisticated person (e.g., "Ese yeyo tiene un carro lujoso." - "That wealthy person has a luxurious car.")

Navigating the vibrant streets of Medellin and engaging with its friendly locals requires a keen understanding of the city's unique slang expressions. This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of essential Medellin slang, empowering you to dive deeper into the city's captivating culture. Embrace these phrases, immerse yourself in local conversations, and connect with Medellin on a whole new level. From expressing admiration to describing daily routines, these vibrant expressions will enrich your interactions and unveil the true essence of this captivating city.