Having a hard time understanding Chilean Spanish (also known as “Chilensis“)? Not surprising. It’s full of Chilenismos (modismos chilenos)–slang expressions in common use in Chile. This Spanish-English glossary of words, expressions, sayings, dichos, and chilenismos commonly used in Chile should help. It’s a work in progress, so check back frequently! And please feel free to correct and contribute!
For a glossary of Chilean culinary terms, see my Culinary Glossary at Tasting Chile.

Al tiro (ahl TEER-oh): Right away! Tiro means shot, so I always thought that this expression meant “like a shot” or “fast as a bullet.” Reader @freelish explains, however, that it refers to the shot fired to initiate a race… which makes plenty of sense– the racers begin as fast as they can as soon as they hear the shot, so it would literally be “upon the shot” or at the sound of the shot. Thanks @freelish!

Agüita (ah-GWEE-tah) (n): Herb tea. Strictly speaking, an infusion (tizana) of some herb, leaf, and/or flower.People usually drink coffee (espresso), tea, or “agüita” at the end of a meal.

Andar pato (ahn-DAR PAH-to): to be broke.

Animita (ah-nee-MEE-ta): (n) A shrine that marks the spot of a person who dies tragically. Also refers to the “essence” of that person who is considered a popular saint who grants favors to devotees. These are frequently found along the sides of highways, railroad tracks, and coastal cliffs.

Apagón (ah-pah-GOAN): (n) Blackout. This is not a Chilean word, per se, but one that visitors should be familiar with. We tend to go through spells where widespread apagones become more frequent than anyone would like.

Apellidos (ah-pay-YEE-dos): (n) Last name. Chileans, like most (but not all) Spanish speakers have two. The first is the father’s last name, and the second is the mother’s. Women do not change their last names when they marry. For example, José Pérez González is the son of Sr. Pérez and Sra. González. If Sr. Pérez does not recognize his son, the child will be named José González González.

Armas tomar, de (day AHR mas toh MAR): This expression refers to a person who is strong-willed, headstrong, who has strong character, who barrels headlong into a situation, who makes bold decisions quickly and does not look back, someone who does not sit back and let things happen, proactive. Seems to be used more often to refer to women then men.

Armonyl / “Tómase un Armonyl” (ahr-moh-NEEL): In a word, “Chill.” Armonyl is an over the counter relaxant that is popular Chile, and the expression “take some Armonyl” is often heard as a way of telling someone to calm down.

Arribismo (ah-ree-BIS-moh): Social climbing.

Barros Jarpa (BAH-rros HAR-pa): (n) Hot ham & cheese sandwich.

Barros Luco (BAH-rrohs LOO-ko): (n) Hot beef and cheese sandwich.

Bigoteado (bee-goh-tay-AH-do): (adj / n) Refers to a wine that comes from gathering the unfinished bits that remain in glasses drunk by others… in other words, wine that has already come into contact with someone else’s  “bigotes” (whiskers). Used to refer to a really bad wine (see also “matapenquero”)

Buen finde (bwain FEEN-day): short for “buen fin de semana,” which means “Have a good weekend.”

Cabro/Cabra (KAH-broh): Literally goat (male and female). Often used to refer to children and young people, in other words, “kids.”

Cachar (ka-CHAR): In Chile, this means “to get” as in to understand. It can also mean “check out” or observe, as in “cáchate esto” (check this out) or observe, as in “Cacha lo que estoy haciendo” (watch what I’m doing).
One theory is that the word comes from the ancient Spanish word “cachear” which was used to pat down someone to check for weapons. Others believe it comes from the English “to catch.”

Cachando (ka-CHAN-doh): In Chile the gerund form of cachar, as in “getting”  or “understanding” something. So in English, this blog, “Cachando Chile,” would be “Getting Chile.”

Cagada (kah-GAH-da) usually pronounced Cagáa (kah-GAH-a): (adj) -Vulgar but very common. Literally comes from the verb cagar (to shit). One of those words that is used to mean many different things depending on the context. Could refer to a disaster (to be screwed) (Chuta! Estamos cagados) , or to accentuate something (as in really, truly) (Nos cagamos de susto: we were really scared).

Cagar (kah-GAR): Vulgar. Literally to shit, but often used to refer to screwing something up.

Cahuin (kah-WEEN): (n) Gossip with bad intentions. Bad-talking about someone.

Calzones rotos (kahl-ZO-nays RO-tos): literally, broken underpants. A typical Chilean fried dough pastry.

Caña (CAHN-ya): (n) small glass of some kind of alcohol, usually wine or beer. “Tener caña” is what you have after a few too many of those little glasses (ie: hangover)

Carabinero (ka-ra-bin-AIR-oh): Chilean police officer.

Caradura (kar-ah DUR-ah): (adj) Bold, brazened, used in a negative way, as in someone who can lie to your face.

Carne de perro (KAR-nay day PERR-ro):  tough, resistant, impossible to kill.

Carretear (car-reh-tay-AHR): (v) to party, go bar-hopping, etc. See also desordenarse.

Carrete (car-REH-tay): (n) a really good all-out party night.

Cartoné (kar-toh-NAY): colloquial and humorous for box wine (cartón is cardboard).

Casera/o (kah-SAIR-ah or kah-SAIR-oh): (1-n) mutual term of address used between people who are selling or buying, especially in a more familiar, everyday-item sense, as in at the open air market. (2-adj) something that is homemade.

Cerrar la fábrica (Sair-RAR la FAH-bree-ka): literally to close the factory. Slang: to stop having babies.

Chaleco (chah-LAY-ko): (n) sweater.

Chantar la moto (chahn-TAHR la MO-to): literally “stop the motorcycle.” Most often used to tell someone to slow down when they are talking, planning, moving, acting too fast (!”whoa! take it easy”). It can also be used when you don’t like someone’s tone or innuendos… as it “watch your step there buddy, you’re crossing the line…” This is related to “Parar el carro.” (See the comments from July 30-Aug 1, 2010.

Chato (CHAH-to): (adj) Depending on the context, it could mean fed up (estoy chato con xxx /  I’ve had it up to here with xxx), or exhausted, or something that’s past its prime (este vino está chato ya / This wine has gone downhill)

Chaucha (CHOW-cha): slang for a coin.

Chauchera (chow-CHAIR-uh): coin purse.

Chela (CHEL-lah): (n) slang for cerveza / beer. Originally from Mexico, now in common usage among younger people in Chile.

Chilenismo (cheel-en-EEZ-moh): Chilean expression or slang term.

Chilensis (cheel-EN-sees) Adjective for Chilean. I assume it is Latin, because it shows up in the scientific names for flora and fauna (example, the Chilean palm is the jubea chilensis).

Chinchinero (cheen-cheen-NAIR-o): Typical Chilean street performer with a large drum and cymbals on his back . He dances and twirls as he beats the drum and works the cymbals with a strap that attaches his foot.

Chori (CHOR-ee): Diminutive of choro (see choro).

Choro (CHOR-oh): Cool; fun.

Chucha (CHOO-chah):  Vulgar slang used to show contempt, similar to “shit” in English.

Chupar (chu-PAHR): (v) literally to suck. Often used for drinking binges (salir a chupar- go out to drink heavily)

Chuta (CHOO-tah): General and inoffensive interjections that expresses regret or dismay, as in: “¡Chuta! ¿en serio?” (Damn!… are you kidding me?) See also “pucha.”

Cínico (SIN ee koh): forget what your bilingual dictionary says, the Spanish word cínico is NOT the equivalent of the English “cynical.” Someone who is cínico lies.

Coa (KOH-uh): Prison slang. Many of these terms have made their way into daily usage.

Cocaví (koh-ca-VEE): (n) Bag lunch; snack taken on a trip.

Cola de Mono (KO-la day MO-no): (n) Alcoholic milk based punch typically served cold at Christmas time.

Colación (ko-lah-see-OHN): (n) Used in Chile to refer to lunch. It differs from almuerzo in the sense that it is used in reference to lunch at work or school. When served at home, the standard term almuerzo is used.

Colectivo (ko-lek-TEE-vo): (n) A combination of a taxi and a bus. It’s a shared taxi with a fixed route.

Comadre (koh-MAH-dray):  (n) Close friend (female). Historically it is used for the woman who is the godmother of your child.

Como pelotas (Ko-mo pay-LO-tas): to do something badly.

Compadre (kohm-PAH-dray): (n) Close friend (male). Historically it is used for the man who is the godfather of your child.

Completo (kohm-PLEH-to): (n) Chilean style hot dog loaded with ketchup, mustard, relish, chopped tomato, sauerkraut, pickled green chili pepper, mashed avocado, and mayonnaise.

Condorito (kohn-doh-REE-to): (n) Much beloved cartoon condor character who represents Chilean culture.

Confort (kohn-FORT): This is the Spanish word for comfort, although it is seldom used in the sense in Chile because it is the name of the leading brand of toilet paper and is therefore associated more with the product. The brand is so popular in fact, that all toilet paper in Chile tends to be generically called “Confort,” much like Kleenex is used for tissues in the US.

Criatura (kree-a-TUR-a): (n) baby, child (this is standard Spanish).

Cueca (KWAY-kah): (n) Refers to a style of music and dance of the same name. Chile’s national dance.

Cueca brava (KWAY-ka BRAH-va): (n) Also called cueca chora (CHOR-ah) or cueca urbana (ur-BAHN-nah)  this is the more bohemian side of the traditional Chilean cueca.

Cuequita (KWAY-kee-tah): (n) Diminutive of cueca. Can be affectionate or derogatory, depending on tone and context.

Cuica/o (KWEE-kah): Derrogatory term used to refer to someone or something from the highest social class.

Dejó la cagá (day-HO la cah-GAHa): Vulgar. Made a mess of something, left something in a disaster… could be a relationship, a job, a room, a car, etc. (see cagada)

Desordenarse (des-or-den-AR-say): (v). Literally to become disorderly/disheveled. (desorden means a mess), but used figuratively to refer to going out on a binge, tying one on, having a very good time with a good deal of alcohol involved.

Diente largo, tener (dee-EHN-tay LAHR-goh): literally: have a long tooth (go figure)… but used to indicate someone is really hungry.

Dicho (DEE-cho): (n) Popular saying or expression.

Exijo una explicación (ex-EE-ho  u-na  ex-plee-kah-see-OHN): “I demand an explanation,” expression made popular by the Condorito comics.

Extranjería (ex-trahn-hair-EE-ya): (n) Chile’s Department of the Interior (Home Office)… The place where you go to wait in long lines to grovel before dismissive government officials who seem to enjoy telling you that you need to do even more trámites before they consider the visa or residency permit that you desperately need.  (See also “trámites“).

Flaite (FLY-tay): (adj) Derogatory term to describe someone from a lower class, loser. (see also peloláis, pokemon, punki)

Fome (FOH-may): (adj) Boring, corny, or lame.

Fonda (FOHN-dah): (n) A temporary establishment set up for a special celebration, particularly for Independence Day.

Frica (FREE-ka): See “pan frica.”

Frugal (froo-GAHL): Beware this false cognate! It does NOT mean “frugal” in the English sense, but rather refers to someone who doesn’t eat or drink much or something that is restricted in its quantity.

Fundo (FOON-doh): Chilean for hacienda. Argentines use finca in the same way.

Gallo (GAH-yo): (n) literally rooster. Used to refer to “a guy”  (galla for the female version)

Gamba (GAHM-bah): (n) a type of shrimp, often used to mean 100. As in 100 pesos or 100,000 pesos.

Ganas (GAH-nass): (n) Desire to door to feel like doing something, as in “tengo ganas de bailar” (I feel like dancing).

Ganso (GAHN-so): (n) Literally, goose. Use to refer to someone who does dumb things, also a nerd. The feminine form, gansa, can mean the same thing, but is often used affectionately among friends (oye gansa, no lo vas a creer: hey girlfriend, you’re not going to believe this).

Garabatear (gar-ah-bah-tay-AR): (v) to swear/curse (use garabatos).

Garabato (gar-ah-BAH-to): (n) Swear word.

Gil (Hill): (n) Derogatory term for someone who is a jerk or an idiot.

Golpe, or golpe del estado (GOHL-pay or GOHL-pay del ehs-STAH-doh): (n) coupe d’état. Military takeover of the government.

Gripe (GREE-pay): (n) Gripe is the flu, although many people claim to have “gripe” or to be “agripado” (ah-gree-PAH-doh) when they just have a common cold (resfrío / rehs-FREE-oh) and rush to take antibiotics.

Guagua (WAH-wah): (n) Baby in Chilean Spanish, from the native Quechua. In Caribbean countries it means a bus.

Guanaco (wah-NAH-koh): (n) Literally an Andean camelid related to the llama. Colloquially it is used to refer to the water cannons that spray water to disperse groups of protesters. It earned the name because guanacos (the animals) spit when they are annoyed. (See also zorrillo).

Guata (WHAH-tah): (n) Stomach: “Me duele la guata” means “I have a stomach ache.” From Mapudungún (Mapuche).

Guatero (whah-TAIR-ro): (n) Hot water bottle, often used to comfort a stomach ache. Also an essential element for sleeping in the winter as most houses do not have central heat, so people hop into bed with a nice hot guatero or two.

Hacer perro muerto (ah-SAIR  PAIR-roh MUAIR-toh): Literally “to do (or to make?) the dead dog”… a weird expression that is commonly used to refer to running out on the check in a restaurant… apparently a pretty common trick for adolescents.

Hallulla (ah-YU-ya): (n) Single-serving round bread made with lard. The texture is dense and heavy.

Hoy canta Gardel (oy CAHN-ta gahr-DEL): Payday. The expression makes reference to the legendary Tango singer Carlos Gardel. The expression may refer to being able to go hear him sing on payday; others say it is because he was a very generous man and would share his own earnings with those who needed it more.

Huacho (WAH-cho) also Huachito (wah-CHEE-toh): (n) Literally “bastard,” someone born outside of wedlock or whose father has not formally recognized him or her. Also used for things like the one sock that remains after the other disappears.

Huelga (HWHELL-gah): (n) Strike (noun).

Huemul (way-MOOL): (n) the South Andean deer (Hippocamelus  bisulcus), one of Chile’s national animals. It appears along with the condor on the national coat of arms.

Huevada (way-vah-da) (n) Thing (vulgar term) would rarely be pronounced this way. See Weá.

Huevear (way-vay-AR) (v) To bother, tease, annoy, to kid (¿me estás huevando? As in “are you kidding me?”) or (¡me estás hueveando!—you’ve gotta be kidding me!). See Huevón.

Huevón (way-VOHN, most often heard as way-OHN): (n), from “huevo” (WAY-vo), which literally means egg and its derivative “hueva” (WAY-va) for testicle. Extremely common vulgarity in Chilean Spanish, with variations for use in different ways. (see the comment left by Katan on January 25, 2010 below). Huevón (often written Weon or Güeón) is used to refer to a person, as in “jerk,” but can also mean friend, as in “man” (oye huevón, quieres una cerveza? Hey man, wanna beer?). The tone of voice explains it all. (Huevona is the female version, used in the same way).

Italiano (ee-tahl-ee-AH-no): (n/adj) Italian. In the world of sandwiches, it refers to tomato, avocado & mayonnaise (the 3 colors of the Italian flag).

Kiltro (KILL-tro): (n) see quiltro.

Lanza (LAHN-sa): (n) pick-pocket or purse-snatcher type thief.

Listeilor (Leess Taylor):  Yes, like the actress! (the z is pronounced like an s). Slang for “Listo,” which means ready.

Loco (LO-koh): (adj/n)) literally crazy. Also used to refer to “a guy” or to Chilean abalone.

Lolo/Lola (LO-loh/LO-lah): (n) teenager or young adult.

Lomo de toro (LO-mo day TOR-ro): (n) Literally a bull’s back, but means a speed bump.

Luca (LOO-kah): (n) A thousand Chilean pesos, the way a “buck” is a US dollar.

Marraqueta (mah-rra-KET-ta): (n) A typical roll-like bread made from French bread dough and shaped into 4 sections. The texture is similar to a baguette, with a crunchy crust and a soft, light inside. If you ask for “una marraqueta” (one) you get half, as in 2 sections.

Mapudungún (mah-pu-doon-GOON): (n) The language of Chile’s indigenous Mapuche people.

Marepoto (mah-ray-POH-to): (n) We can thank President Piñera for inadvertently coining this quasi-synonym maremoto (or tsunami) when he made this deliciously silly linguistic gaffe during a formal speech intended to console the nation after Chile’s February 2010 earthquake. It worked. We’re still chuckling about it!

Matapenquero (MAH-ta pen-KAIR-oh): (n) Refers to a really bad wine. (see also bigoteado)

Matrimonio (ma-tree-MOH-nee-oh): (n) a married couple. In Spain a wedding is a boda, but in Chile the term matrimonio refers to the ceremony as well as the couple.

Mechon (may-CHOHN): (n) First-year college student participating in the rite of passage known as hazing.

Mechoneo (may-chohn-AY-oh): (n) Hazing process for first year college students. Rite of passage.

Media agua (MAY-de-a-AH-gwa): (n) a basic, simple house. This is an old concept, but many have recently been built as temporary housing solutions for people who lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake.

Media naranja (MAY-dee-a  nah-rahn-ha): (n) wife, husband, partner; one’s “better half.”

Mejorarse (may-hor-AR-say): (v) literally, to improve oneself or to get better. May also be used to mean to have a baby.

Meter la pata (may-TAIR-say la PAH-tah): (v) Put your foot in your mouth.

Metro (MEH-tro): (n) Santiago’s subway system.

Micro (MEE-kro): (n) The city bus (NOTE: used with the feminine article “la“).

Mina (MEE-na): (1) literally a mine, but more interestingly (2) an attractive young woman. Mino can also be used for a good looking guy.

Mocoso (moh-KO-so): a kid, young child (like saying “rugrat”); comes from “moco” (mucous, snot).

Monono (moh-NO-no): cute, sweet, trendy, but not to be taken too seriously.

Nacer con la marraqueta bajo el brazo (nah-SAIR cohn la mah-rra-KET-ta bah-ho el BRA-zoh): To be born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth or to bring luck to the family upon being born.

Nacer parado (nah-SAIR  pah-RAH-do): to be lucky, born under a lucky star.

No tener pelos en la lengua (no teh-NAIR  PAY-los  en  la  LENG-gwa): to be outspoken.

Ojo (OH-ho): (n) (1) literally means eye, but often used (2) to mean “careful” or “attention.” People will often look you straight in the eye, point a finger to their own eye and say “Ojo con…” and give you some advice, as in “watch out for…” or “be careful with…”

Once (11) de Septiembre: (OHN-say day sept-tee-EHM-bray). September 11. In Chile it refers to this day in 1973, the day of the military coupe.

Onces (OHN-sace): (n) Chile’s version of afternoon tea, one of the standard 4 meals per day. It usually consists of sandwiches and sweet pastries.. not necessarily in that order.

Operado de los nervios (oh-pair-AH-do day los NAIR-vee-ohs): Said of a person who is always calm, unflappable. Literally means they’ve had an operation on their nerves, as in a “nervectomy” and therefore are incapable of being nervous or excitable. Used in a positive sense.

Paco (PAH-koh): (n) Chilean for “cop,” (carabinero, police officer), though it tends to be more derogatory. A female cop is a “paquita,” which seems to be used in a more friendly way.

Palo (PAH-lo): literally stick. Often used to refer to a million, as in a million pesos. (Gana palo, means s/he earns a million pesos a month).

Palta (PAHL-ta): (n) Avocado. Available in and on just about everything edible. Popular on toast for breakfast and on hot dogs (see completo). I’ve even had palta pie and palta pisco sour.

Pan amasado (pahn ah-mah-SAH-do): (n) Literally “kneaded bread”. These individual serving round breads are often made in country homes and baked in the traditional outdoor dome-shaped adobe ovens.

Pan batido (pahn bah-TEE-doh): (n) The bread called a marraqueta in Santiago is called pan batido in Valparaíso.

Pan de molde (pahn day MOHL-day): (n) No, this is not moldy bread! It’s sliced loaf bread.

Pan frica (pahn FREE-ka): (n) Hamburger bun.

Paquita (pah-KEE-tah): (n) Female cop. see Paco.

Parar el carro (pah-RAR el CAHR-ro): (dicho). Literally, “stop the car”. Used to stop someone who is “crossing the line” of what is to be tolerated. To stop insubordination, or insults, etc. Ex: “No me gustó como el cabro estaba hablandome, no accepto la falta de respeto, así es que le paré el carro bien firme.” (I didn’t like the way the kid was talking to me. I won’t accept a lack of respect, so I stopped him right there and put him in his place.)

Pasarlo chancho (pah-SAIR  loh  CHAN-cho): have a good time.

Paso cebra (PAH-so  SAY-bra): (n) Literally means “zebra crossing.” Refers to the white-on-black striped crosswalks where pedestrians immediately and always have the right of way.

Pato malo (PAH-to  MAH-lo): (n) Literally, a bad duck. Used to mean hoodlum, thug.

Patota, en (en pa-TOH-ta):  In a group, especially to go somewhere in a group.

Patudo/a (pah-TU-do): (adj) Ssomeone who is very forward, who crosses the line.

Pega (PAY-ga): work (n)  ex: ¿tenís pega? (do you have work?) or voy a la pega (I’m going to work).

Peinar la muñeca (payee-NAHR la myu-NYAY-kah): Literally, to comb the doll’s hair. Used to mean “to go loco.” This is another expression from Chilean TV. At the end of the popular 1984 series Los Títeres, the female villain character Adriana Godán breaks down, returns to a childlike state and plays with dolls.

Peloláis (pay lo LICE): Way of categorizing upperclass teenage girls with long, straight, blond hair- very fashionable, clothes and look-conscious. Also called cuica (peloláis is used more by the 20-and-under age group). See also Pokemón, Flaite, Cuica, Pituca.

Penca (PEN-ka): (adj) Cheesy, something of poor quality or a lousy situation.

Pendejo (pen-DAY-ho): (n) In Chile, a vulgar (but very common) way of referring to a kid (usually adolescent). RAE says it’s pubic hair.

Peor es nada (pay OR  es  NAH-da): Literally “worse is nothing”… used to refer to one’s partner.

Perro muerto, hacer (ah-ser PAIR-roh MUAIR-toh): Literally, to “do the dead dog” (sepa moya where that ever came from!) Means to skip out on the bill in a restaurant. One reader suggests the English translation “dine and ditch” never heard it, but it works for me! (the definition, not the tactic!)

Piropo (pee-ROH-po) (n): generally, a complement (Wow, great hair!) but often associated with garden-variety construction work catcalls or the half-whispered, half-hissed “bellísima” (beautiful) comments men make as they pass women in the streets.

Picada (pee-CAH-da): (n) Usually refers to a simple restaurant with good food and cheap prices.

Pichanga (pee-CHANG-gah): (n) Informal football (soccer) game.

Pilucho (pee-LU-cho): (adj) Naked. “Andar medio pilucho” is used as “to go around half naked.”

Pirulin (peer-ru-LEEN): (n) Little boy’s penis.

Pirulo (pee-LU-lo): (adj/n)  (1) Similar to “cuico.” Used in a semi-derogatory way to refer to someone that is elegantly dressed or excessively conservative.

Pito (PEE-to): (n) Joint (marijuana).

Pituco/a (pee-TU-koh or pee-TU-kah): (adj) Derrogatory term used to refer to someone or something from the highest social class. Can be interchanged with “cuico,” although this is generally used to refer to an older generation, while cuico is used in association with a younger generation.

Pituto (pee-TU-toh): This word has two distinct meanings. Like pololo, it can refer to a specific, short-term informal job (doing a translation, a short-term gig, etc.). As a second exception, it refers to your contacts and social pull. Who you know is very valuable social capital and can make all the difference when looking for a job, a rental, or getting things done in general.

Plancha (PLAHN-cha) Embarrassment, as in ¡Qué Plancha! (how embarrassing!). Also means an iron (planchar means to iron clothes)

Plop! (plohp): Expression made popular by the Condorito comics and commonly used to express surprise.

Po (poh): Chilean for “pues.” A common interjection that is frequently peppered throughout Chilean speech, as in “Sí po” and “No po.” The former may be shortened to “Sip” and “Nop” meaning “Yep” and “Nope”. May also be pronounced “pu.”

Pokemon (po-kay-MOAN): (Pokemona for girls). (n) One of the so-called “urban tribes” with a very recognizable style with apparent punk roots and inspired by Japanese anime animation: straight black hair, usually cut on an angle, often covering one eye, multiple piercings, often dressed in black and denim. See also flaite, peloláis, punki, cuica.

Porotos (po-ROH-tos): (n) Beans… Chileans do not use frijoles (Mexican) or judías (Spanish).

Porsiaca (por-see-AH-ka): Short for “por si acaso,” which means “just in case.”

Pololo (poh-LOH-loh): (n) This word, which comes from Mapudungún, has several meanings. The first is boyfriend (polola is girlfriend). It can also be an informal job (although pitututo is more frequently used). It also refers to the moths that buzz around the lights at night (which is probably where the boyfriend use came from!)

Poto (POH-toh): (n) bottom, rear end. Apparently an Andean term. Often used in the diminutive “potito” (poh-TEE-toh) when referring to a baby. And then, oddly enough, there’s something called a “sandwich de poto.” (Yeah, you understood that correctly). Never tried one… I hear they literally stink but “aren’t bad”… think I’ll pass!

Pronunciamento militar (pro-nuns-ee-ahm-ee-EHNT-to mil-ee-TAHR). (n) Military takeover of the government. Term preferred by Pinochet supporters (see also “golpe”).

Pu (poo): See “po.”

Pucha (POO-chah): General, inoffensive interjection that expresses regret,  like shoot or damn. Similar to “chuta.”

Pudú (poo-DOO): (n) The (Pudu puda), the smallest member of the deer family in the world, found in southern Chile.

Punki (PUNK-ee): (adj/n) Punk style, used as an adjective to describe the style (punk)  or as a noun to describe a person who follows this style (a punk).

Qué onda (kay  OHN-da): A greeting: “What’s up?” Used more with the older generation

Quiltro (KILL-tro): Mutt, mongrel. Chilean word for a mixed-breed dog.

RAE (Rye): Real Academia Epañola: Royal Spanish Academy, the gatekeeper of the Spanish language. The one and only source of “correct” Spanish language use. Very useful on-line version at www.rae.es.

Raja (RAH-ha): (n/adj) Vulgar (very common). Strictly speaking refers to the crack in the buttocks, but is more commonly used to refer to something excellent / incredible (está la raja).

Rajado (rah-HAH-doh): (adj) Very fast.

Regalón (reh-gah-LON): (n/adj). This is not a Chilean word, but will help explain the following word. A reglón is someone who is spoiled, like a spoiled child. It can also be used to mean favorite, as in “mi alumno regalón” (my favorite student) or  “mi chaqueta regalona” (my favorite jacket).

Regalonear (reh-gah-LON-ay-ahr): (v) This Chilean word derived from regalar (to give) and regalón (see Regalón)means “to spoil” but in a positive sense.  It refers to doing nice things for someone (este fin de semana te voy a regalonear / I’m going to spoil you this weekend), taking care of someone, or mutually cuddling and being affectionate.

Réplica (REH-plee-ka): (n) (1) Aftershock. A regular Spanish word that is particularly relevant in Chile. (2) A second, smaller round of the popular drink terremoto. See also temblor and terremoto.

San Lunes (sahn LU-nays): The imaginary but very popular “Saint Monday” referred to when someone takes Monday off from work because they have not been able to recover from the weekend.

Sánguche (SAHN-gu-che):  (n) Sandwich. Other commonly used forms are “sándwich and sanguich” (both pronounced like the English sandwich).

Santiaguino (san-tee-a-GEE-no): (n) Someone who lives in Santiago. May be used as a noun or adjective.

Sapo (SAH-po): (n) Literally, frog. (1) a snitch, low-level spy, as in someone who looks for information to give authorities in exchange for some benefit (see also soplón), or (2) or to a person who let’s the bus drivers know when the last bus along their route passed. They get the name from jumping on and off the buses all day.

Sarna con gusto no pica (SAHR-na cohn GU-sto no PEE-kah). Literally, “scabies with pleasure don’t itch.” Used to express the idea that if an activity, thing, person, lifestyle, etc., has been chosen, it won’t be bothersome, even though someone else might find the same thing intolerable.

Schop (chohp): (n) Draft beer. This word does not appear in the RAE, and apparently is Chilean… anyone know why?

Schopería (chohp-air-REE-a): (n) Place where draft beer is the central theme. They usually serve sandwiches and fries and often have outdoor tables. There are many, for example, along Pio Nono in Bellavista (Santiago) and in Plaza Ñuñoa.

Sepa Moya (SAY-pa MOY-ya): A fairly common expression that means “who knows”?

Shopping (CHOHP-ping): Pronounced with a hard “ch” (like chopping wood) and a long o, this term is used not as a verb or adjective, but as a noun to refer to a shopping center or mall: ¿vamos al shopping? (literally: Shall we to the shopping?).

Servilleta (sair-vee-YEHT-a): (n) Napkin (the table kind).

Soplar (so-PLAHR): (vV) In standard Spanish this means to blow or to whisper, but in slang terms it means to tell or to snitch. The same idea as to “blow the whistle on someone.”

Soplón (sp-PLOHN): (n) Someone who tells the authorities about someone else’s activities; a snitch, a tattle-tale. Similar to a sapo except that  sapo has more of a connotation of spying or actively seeking information, whereas a soplón may stumble upon the information accidentally.

Taco (TAH-ko): (n) Traffic jam (and in Santiago there are lots), which makes the perfect excuse for being late…

Temblor (tem-BLOR): (n) Tremor. Not to be confused with the more serious terremoto. This is a regular Spanish word that is particularly relevant in Chile.

Terremoto (tair-ay-MOH-to): (n) (1) Earthquake. This is a regular Spanish word, but one that is particularly relevant in Chile. (2) A Chilean drink made from white wine and pineapple sherbet served in picadas. See also temblor y réplica.

Tío (TEE-oh): (n) Literally uncle; used as “guy.” Frequently used in Spain and copied here.

Trámite (TRAH-mee-tay): (n) A perfect word with no direct translation into English. It refers to all the bureaucratic transactions and processes that we are often required to do, such as going from place to place, filling out forms, getting things notarized (very big in Chile). Anyone who has dealt with Chilean “Extranjería” knows all about trámites.

Tusunami (tu-su-NAH-mee) (n). Another Piñerism, this creative version of what should have been (tsunami) sounds to the Spanish ear as if the speaker is saying “it’s no MY tsunami, it’s YOUR tsunami). It immediately gave rise to many versions of the latest You-Tube dance craze featuring our break-dancing prez.

Tuto (TU-to): Refers to sleep. “Hacer tuto” means to go to sleep; “tener tuto” means to be sleepy. Of Quechua origin.

Vale (VAH-lay): Formal use: voucher, ticket. Slang use: “OK.”

Varón (bah-RON): (n) Man. Spanish speakers use this term for a baby boy.

Viejo Pascuero (vee-A-ho pahs-KWER-o): (n) Santa Claus.

Weá or (way-AH) (n), from “huevada.” Vulgar and very common. Used as a noun to mean “thing.” Can be used as a substitute for the real name (dame esa weá –gimme that thing) or to refer to something stupid (¿qué es esa weá? What the hell is this? Or: Deja de decir weás—stop saying idiotic things).  See Huevón.

Weón / Weona (way-OHN / way-OH-nah) (n) see Heuvón.

Winter ya (VEEN-ter ja): Intelligence. This expression comes from a 1990s-era commercial for “Cecinas Winter,” a popular brand of prepared meats such as hot dogs and cold cuts. In it, an older man with a strong German accent says “hay que tener mucho Winter ya” as if to say “ya gotta have smarts.” Check it out on You-tube.

Ya (YAH): Like the German ja (yes) and the English “yeah,” in Chile “ya” means “okay” and is used to show consent, agreement or to indicate that you are following an argument. It is very common in Chilean Spanish and must surely have arrived with the German immigration in the south in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Yapa (YAH-pa): Something extra added when buying something, similar to the “baker’s dozen” concept  (ask for a dozen, get 13).

Ya po (YAH -poh) (also Ya pu):  Short for “ya pues” (see Ya, above). Very common expression that changes meaning depending on the intonation of the voice. A short, definitive, ya-po, can mean “sure thing, I’m right on it” while a long drawn-out and exasperated YAAAA po! can mean “knock it off, I’ve had it up to here with that.”

Yein Fonda (Jane Fonda): (n) Yes, like the actress. A fonda is a temporary fiesta that sets up for a week or two at a time, particularly to celebrate Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day).  The famous Yein (Jane) Fonda is one of the most popular!

Yunta (YOON-tah): (n) Literally a yoke, used to refer to good friends (somos bien yuntas / we’re very good friends, really tight).

Zorrillo (sohr-REE-yo): (n) Literally, skunk. Used colloquially to refer to the small tanks that launch tear gas to break up protests (see also guanaco).

• Share this:
• StumbleUpon
• Digg
• Reddit