We learned that as you travel through Latin America, tone, accents, and even words in Spanish will vary. You could very well be a fluent Spanish speaker, but one visit to a new country in the region can leave you confused and questioning your own ability. So previously, we brought you Peru’s top slang terms to help you out when you’re visiting the land of the Inca. Now, get ready to learn the language of Chapin.
Huevos
That’s right. Like, the many ways of preparing eggs, “huevos” is the most versatile slang word for Guatemalans. “De ahuevo” is “cool”, while the more accentuated “de ahuevisimo” means “super cool”. But, “hueviar” means “stole”. For example, “Ese cerote me a huevio mis huevos que eran de ahuevisimo.” Not that you’d ever say “that dude stole my super cool eggs”.
Cerote
Traditionally, the word is used offensively for someone who does nothing with their life; a big zero, a loser. In Guatemala, it is still commonly used this way. However, Chapines also use it when referring to close friends. It’s like saying “dude” or “bro”.
Aguas!
Immediately you might think “water? Plural?”. But, in Guatemala it is used like “heads up!”. When you hear a group yell “Aguas!” be on the lookout because something or someone is headed your way.
Cabal
More closely translating to “thorough” Chapines often use the word to mean “spot on”. For example, if someone is talking about something you agree with, you’d respond with “Es cabal!”.
Chilero
Chilero is used to express appreciation for something. It’s like saying something is “awesome”, or “pretty good”.
Pisto
In Guatemala, pisto is a slang term used for the word “money”.
Clavo
Any Spanish translation of the the word “clavo” will tell you it means “nail”, like nail and a hammer. However, Chapines use “clavo” when someone has a problem or a difficult situation.
Burra
Burra, the female form of “donkey” in Spanish is used to refer to a bus in slang terms. It can be a chicken bus or a metro bus, they’re all considered burras.
Ya Estas Viernes
This saying literally translates as “You’re Friday”. However, Friday is understood as “old”. This is the perfect response if a friend says they’d rather stay in than go to the party. “Ya estas Viernes”.
Sho!
This slang term is so slangy that is literally has no translation. In fact, it doesn’t really even mean anything for Guatemalans. Instead, this “sound” is used in extenuating circumstances when you need everyone’s attention, or are looking for silence. For example, if you yell “Sho!” people will likely stop what they’re doing. But careful with this one, it’s considered rude.