When we think about Spanish the first two places that come to our heads are Spain and Mexico. And we can’t blame anyone because that’s how widely popular they have become thanks to their food and artists. But what would you say if we told you that in addition to having more countries that “hablan español”, their pronunciation is very clear and precise plus their usage of words is super interesting and will have you talking in a very short time! Yes, We are talking about a very colorful, open-minded, tropical and welcoming place, Colombia!

Colombia has very interesting areas to visit and pay homage to, not only because of its aesthetic but also its story. You can find very delicious food, some enthusiastic dancers and musicians and some of the warmest people that’ll welcome you with their open arms and beautiful accent. And if you don’t trust us you can ask anyone about how dreamy a paisa’s accent can be (not only them but it’s the most popular also) and how enticing words can sound not only in Spanish but more specific in Colombian.

So, with that being said, let us take you to get to know a little bit more about how people talk in the country where they sing “Colombia tierra querida” and dance vividly to the rhythm of almost anything. They do really enjoy having a lot of fun!

Colombian Sayings

First, you’ll find a quick glossary on day to day very common, very Colombian expressions:

¡Esto es Colombia, papá!: In this sentence “papá” has nothing to do with the word “father” but it’s used to assert the willingness to win/earn something and how proud we feel of our country and the people that represent it overseas (in the sport/music/arts field, etc).

For example: ¡Gooooooooool de Colombia! ¡Esto es Colombia, papá!

Dar papaya: Even though papaya is very sweet and delicious in this case we’re not mentioning any fruit but rather letting you know that it’d be a little dangerous if someone else sees your stuff because you could lose it (wink wink get robbed)

For example: Cuidado con el teléfono ahora que vaya al centro se lo roban, no vaya a dar papaya. (Be careful with your phone when you’re downtown because you could get robbed, don’t expose yourself).

Calle esos ojos: This is more of a common phrase between mothers/grandparents and it’s used to indicate the need to be prudent in relation to a certain situation or fact.

For example: ¿Emborracharse hasta morir? Ay no, ¡calle esos ojos! (Getting drunk and wasted? Stop your nonsense, be careful with your words!)

¡Qué hubo parce!: Probably the most common one and the friendliest too, we use it a lot to say “hi” (Qué hubo) to our friends (parce/parceros)

For example: ¡Qué hubo parce! ¿Cómo va todo? (What’s up dude! How is it going?)

Barriga llena, corazón contento: Even though “barriga” means stomach in a very colloquial way, with “Barriga llena, Corazón contento” we’re not directed towards our belly only. It means everything feels different when you have fulfilled all of your basic needs, like food, shelter or health etc. So, by doing it so, you feel great about everything, even your problems.

For example: Bueno, barriga llena, corazón contento. (​Full stomach, contented heart)

Colombian Slang Words

The following chart shows some of the top and most common Colombian slang words: 

SLANG	MEANING
Berraco	Tough, Brave, or Skilled
Cachaco	Someone old, from the capital city
Chévere	Cool
Costeño	Someone from the coast
Cucho	A friendly way to address an older person
Guayabo	Hangover
Maluco	Bad
Paisa	Someone from Medellin city
Parce/Parcero	Dude/Bro
Pirobo	Depending on the context, can be friend or man, but can be offensive
Plata	Money
Quiubo	What's up
Vaina	Thing, Situation, or even a Problem
Rumba	A party or celebration.
Bacano	Fantastic or excellent.
Muleco/a	A term for a friend or buddy.
Parche	A group of friends or a hangout.
Chirriar	To squeak or make a high-pitched noise.
Chiviado/a	Drunk or intoxicated.
Guachafita	A fun or enjoyable activity.
Sobremesa	The time spent chatting after a meal.
Guaro	Aguardiente, a popular Colombian liquor.
Vergüenza ajena	Feeling embarrassed for someone else.
Berraquera	Guts, determination, or bravery.
Gomelo/a	A slang term for someone who is posh or preppy.
Chancletas	Flip-flops or sandals.
Mondá	A silly or absurd thing.
Jarto/a	Fed up or tired.

COLOMBIAN GREETINGS

Now we present you how to properly greet someone in Colombian Spanish:

¿Qué hay de nuevo?	What's new?
¿Qué cuentas?	What's new?
¿Qué paso parce?	What's up friend/dude?
¿Cómo va la vaina?	How's it going?
¿Qué tal la vida?	How's life?
¿Qué onda?	What's going on?
¿Como estas?	How are you?
¿Todo bien?	All good?
¿Que más?	What's goin on?
¡Epa parce!	Hey bro!
¡Buenas Veci!	Hey Neighbor! (Typical from Bogotá)