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.
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”.
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.
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!”.
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, 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.
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 circ*mstances 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.
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”.
Guatemalans typically use the second-person singular personal pronoun vos alongside the standard Spanish second-person singular pronouns tú and usted to form a three-level system of second-person singular address.
Chucho is also the Guatemalan slang for a dog, but don't get distracted, because “chucho” could also mean a car tire in this country, so just to be safe always assume it means a dog, unless you're talking about cars.
In Spanish slang, “pito” can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to a cigarette or joint, as well as a whistle or horn. However, the most common and widely used meaning of “pito” is a slang term for the male genitalia.
Patojo means “kid”. It's used when talking about a boy. It doesn't have to be a 5 year old. If the person is old, for an example a person in his twenties, they can also be be a patojo.
Spanish is the official and most spoken language. In addition, there are 22 different Mayan languages as well as two other Indigenous languages – Garífuna and Xinca. The maps, documents, and datasets below provide information about languages spoken throughout the country.
When greeting a person from Guatemala, smile and say, “mucho gusto” while shaking hands. This translates as “a pleasure.” Buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon), or buenas noches (good evening) are also proper greetings and gestures of politeness.
Cuate. This is how Guatemalan's refer to a friend. It's used very casually, and if you're social during your stay, you'll make a few “cuates” yourself.
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