Spanish Slang and Expressions used in Chile
Here are some common Spanish slang and expressions used in Chile:
Po: An abbreviation of "pues" which means "well" or "so".
Huevón/Hueón: A colloquial term for "dude" or "guy". Can also be used as an insult.
Cachai: A slang word for "do you understand?" or "you know?"
Bacán: A Chilean word meaning "cool" or "awesome".
Fome: A term used to describe something that is boring or uninteresting.
Cuático: Used to describe something that is "crazy" or "insane".
Chucha: A word that can be used as an exclamation of surprise or frustration.
Pato: A word used to describe someone who is unlucky or clumsy.
Pega: A term for a job or employment.
Pololear: A verb that means "to date" or "to be in a relationship".
Tincar: A verb that means "to have a hunch" or "to suspect".
Al tiro: A phrase that means "right away" or "immediately".
Anda a laar: A phrase used to tell someone to "go away" or "leave me alone".
Andar con cuea: A phrase that means "to have bad luck" or "to be unlucky".
Tirar la talla: A phrase that means "to joke around" or "to make jokes".
Weón/weá: Similar to "huevón/hueón", this slang term is used to refer to a person or thing, and can also be used as an insult.
¿Cachai los cabros?: A phrase that means "Do you know the guys?" or "Have you met the guys?"
Carrete: A term used to refer to a party or social gathering.
Flaites: A colloquial term for people who are perceived as lower class or rough.
Pucha: A word that can be used as an exclamation of disappointment or frustration.
Pajarón: A slang term for someone who is forgetful or absent-minded.
Charcha: A term used to describe something that is fake or low quality.
El taco: A phrase that means "traffic jam" or "traffic congestion".
Puro webeo: A phrase that means "just kidding" or "just messing around".
Chileno/a: A term used to describe someone from Chile.
Me tinca: A phrase that means "I have a feeling" or "I think".
Polera: A term used to describe a t-shirt.
Cahuín: A term used to describe gossip or rumors.
Asado: A Chilean barbecue, usually involving meat, vegetables, and wine.
Compadre/comadre: A term used to refer to a close friend or companion.
Copete: A term used to refer to alcohol or liquor.
Pedalear: A verb that means "to bike" or "to cycle".
Hacer una vaca: A phrase that means "to pool money" or "to chip in together".
Chueco/a: A slang term for someone who is dishonest or crooked.
Pelar el cable: A phrase that means "to daydream" or "to be lost in thought".
Raja: A slang term for "cool" or "awesome".
Dar jugo: A phrase that means "to mess around" or "to waste time".
Fleta: A term used to describe a taxi or cab.
Caleta: A term used to describe a hidden or secret place.
Tirar pinta: A phrase that means "to show off" or "to flaunt".
Chupalla: A traditional Chilean hat made from straw.
Hacer la plancha: A phrase that means "to chill" or "to take it easy".
Mandar la papa: A phrase that means "to take charge" or "to be the leader".
Guagua: A term used to refer to a baby or young child.
Mechonear: A verb that means "to pull someone's hair" or "to give someone a haircut as a prank".