Its a pretty good slang term that is similar to how in English, people used to say they had , probably makes more sense if youre talking about, Its simply one of the many words in Spanish for , . So whether you want to travel to this tropical country, or you just want to impress some of your amigos guatemaltecos, get ready to learn some Guatemalan slang. amzn_assoc_asins = "1857333489"; Here are 14 commonly used Guatemalan slang words and phrases you don't want to miss out. Adding Guatemalan words to your vocabulary will make your Spanish richer. Download: Mexico. Es peligroso manejar tan rpido.Careful with traffic! Its dangerous to drive so fast. Lospatajos van a escuela de lunes a viernes. If you just say hola, you might get away with it. As a side note, check out the Guatemalan chicken buses if youre interested in their unique transportation system. Check out this sample of the local lingo. Due to how common it is in Guatemala, I chose this one as a replacement. Due in no small part to their lightning-fast eating habits, if someone is said to be alagartado, it means he or she is a voracious eater. Have conversations faster, understand people when they speak fast, and other tested tips to learn faster. Cmo te qued el ojo? Download our e-book, Easy Spanish Shortcuts, and learn your first 1,000 Spanish words in under a day! In most of the world, this word means animal feces. Not only in Guatemala, but in the whole of Latin America, pisto is often used for cash, so wherever you go, dont forget the pisto. Ver en espaol en ingls.com. So here is a list of the top 10 most commonly used Guatemalan slang words: 1. (Shut up! Thats why these days few are willing to do it. Qu chilera tu chumpa! Citizenship in Guatemala is typically obtained through either jus soli, or through the birth of a child to an adult with Guatemalan nationality, or through the birth of a child to an adult with the same nationality, or through the birth of a child to someone with both. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Or better yet, talk to some native speakers and learn some new expressions. There are many different dialects, and the grammar is very different from English. If you need a quick little snack, this is the word for you. But not in Guatemala! Didnt you bring her? In Guatemala, the word for yes is s. If you are already learning Spanish, you would say that this word means to the eggs but in our case, it doesnt. Hay unos patojos jugando al ftbol en la calle. Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. As a Guatemalan, I know them and use them all the time. A common story to hear in the Americas, Guatemala is home to, are still present in the region, so these languages, along with some. (Yes, its easy to do it.). amzn_assoc_asins = "B08N5LNQCX"; amzn_assoc_asins = "178657490X"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; An expression commonly used in Central America to refer to a chaos or disorder caused by several people, or, as an alternate meaning, a lie. In Guatemala and El Salvador, indefinite articles are commonly placed before a possessive pronoun, as in una mi tacita de caf lit. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Become an expert in more than 200 of the local words and phrases. Aguas! This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. While many a Spanish-speaker has gushedover hisgirlfriend, or novia, in Guatemala men strut down the street with their traida in hand. Deja de pelar, es grosero. Boquitos comes from the diminutive form of boca (mouth). Im going to take a nap while the baby sleeps. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Literally, it means Its so Friday, but its understood that Friday means old or something thats dull. . Its not offensive at all, but definitely not formal, either. Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of. It is Mexicos neighboring country, placed in central America and of the countries where you can practice your Spanish skills with the locals. In case you missed it, here is a quick round-up of the countries we covered thus far in our Spanish slang series. He is extremely proud of his status as a Chapina and is extremely proud to be one. SpanishDict is the world's most popular Spanish-English dictionary, translation, and learning website. Implicit is a sense of camaraderie and of belonging. Casaca is a slang term, with two very concrete meanings the first one being a lie, and the second, as an expression used when something is really easy to do. This is a Guatemalan word for snack. Land of eternal spring. Camioneta 15. In most Spanish speaking countries, this word is a term for a female donkey, but in Guatemalan slang, its used to refer to a bus. (Were going to Panajachel on Monday.). Pisado is a Guatemalan slang curse word that is similar to cerote, but a little less used and sometimes a little more offensive. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Maria is sharp and knows all the answers. They are old school buses that have been remodeled into public buses. Some of these words are used in most, or all, Spanish-speaking countries, like chocolate and aguacate ("avocado"), and some are only used in Mexico and most Central American countries, like Guatemala and El Salvador. For a more complete list see List of Spanish words of Nahuatl origin. If youre in a more formal situation, the official gentilicio is guatemalteco/a. Others have become doctors, lawyers, and other professionals while others have made a successful career in business. (Stop gossiping, its rude. So whether you want to travel to this tropical country, or you just want to impress some of your. So here is a list of the top 10 most commonly used Guatemalan slang words: This is a common expression that Guatemalans share with their northern neighbors. ), No te lo voy a decir, shute. If someone is bothering you, then this is one of the slang terms you can use to tell them to be quiet and go away. No mames is crude Spanish slang used to express disbelief (both positive and negative) or excitement. Planning to hike near volcanoes, swim in Lake Atitlan or roam the markets of Chichicastenango? First, Guatemalan Spanish is different from the Spanish you may have learned in school. Clavo 5. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; If you have, did you find them useful and amusing? It involves charming someone you like, even if you have to lie a little. I dont have any cash until I get paid. Est bien chilero, vaa? When someone uses it by yelling the word it means that some danger is near and that you should pay attention, be careful or get out of the way. When the head waiter realized the lack of attention, he bent over backwards to make things right. No tengo pisto hasta que me paguen. The ONLY sale of the year is ending soon School supplies in Spanish: A vocabulary guide, It is what it is in Spanish: Essential idiomatic expressions, Making plans with friends in Spanish: A practical guide. Chivas 13. This one can mean one of two things. To gossip, criticize or talk behind someones back. (That chicken bus is really cute.). amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Its also what many indigenous people wear. In Guatemala, getting government permits can be especially time-consuming. Are you disgusted about something? So, literally, the word means dog, but its used to refer to a greedy person. Try a free private class or a 7-day free trial of our group classes so you can practice what you learned. This term is used when someone is talking about another person, but only in a bad way, describing defects or bad taste. We had problems creating your account. Dont be nosy, my private life is private. 14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner. We curl up as we find a comfortable position. Now you should be ready to use all of your Guatemalan slang on the street or on the chicken bus. Its like saying, , , que mi jefe meti las patas, y a m me estaba echando la culpa. Duro - It means money in Spain. But apart from that, you should consider learning some Guatemalan slang words and phrases so that you can easily communicate with the locals. (Watch out! Sausages here are not usually hidden away in a cooler, but prominently on display in a stores entrance. Youll likely see appetizer-likeboquitasadvertised at restaurants or things like chips and nuts for sale at the small convenience stores. Download the exact curriculum that thousands of BaseLang students have used to become fluent in Spanish, We sent you an email with a link to download the guide. amzn_assoc_asins = "B096SV8SJG"; . A quin vamos a mandar a la Alcalda para sacar el permiso? Now let's delve into the. FluentU uses native video clips from movies, TV shows, music videos and more to show you how the language is actually used. Slang differs even by region, so its good to know what things only Guatemalans say that even Spanish speakers from other regions may not catch onto. amzn_assoc_asins = "1789194490"; Here are a few tips to help you learn the Guatemalan language. Que chilera tu bolsa!Your purse is awesome! Group ClassesTrue immersion in a peer-led environment amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada? Join us as we explore the most common expressions used in the "Land of Eternal Spring.". amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Sho! If you are planning to visit some of the This literally means to peel, but Guatemalans use it to refer to gossiping or talking behind someones back. The word cerote has an ideal English equivalent named dude. Their acute sense of smell makes them ideal companions on the hunt. Sho! This refers to someone who is blonde and is often used as a term of endearment. Esta musica es cabal. Chish! No seas burra, no cometiste un error.Dont be dumb, you didnt make a mistake. FluentUs media library will have some options from Guatemalan sources that can help you pick up on these terms even better! Immediately you will mentally reach for your calculator and wonder whats up with the numbers. My dad is cheap and never gives me money. For example, when you have to pay for the meal at the restaurant and the waiter wants to overcharge you, you can call him chuco. In Guatemala, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. 10 Guatemalan Slang You Need to Know | Maximo Nivel As you travel through Latin America, tone, accents, and even words in Spanish will vary. Necesito silencio para concentrarme. Today. Every year, the number of Guatemalan immigrants in the United States grows larger. For example, if youre about to cross the street without looking, someone might yell aguas! In countries outside of North and Central America, people will often use the word cuidado to have the same meaning. Many Guatemalans, particularly those who speak Kiche, a dialect of Spanish, speak it alongside Spanish in a large indigenous community. Pisto is Guatemalan slang for "money" or "cash." If you get into a tuk-tuk or cab, the driver might ask you if you have enough pisto to pay; some cafs and restaurants ask to be paid only in pisto. Private Tutoring1:1 classes with a dedicated teacher They can also say mucho gusto, which is a shortened version of nice to meet you, or buenos das, which is a good morning phrase, or buenas tardes, which is a good afternoon phrase. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The word patojo is used when you want to tell someone hes a kid. Thats what happens when, because of perhaps a simple fender bender, the flow of traffic comes nearly to a halt, just so all the curious can get a gander at what happened. This idiom means to date. Its said in a loving and fun way. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Chilero/a 11. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; It is used between close friends but depending on the whole context and other words used, it can have a positive connotation but also be used as an insult, too. ), Comprar un nuevo charnel cuando termine la escuela. Its not really used offensively, Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick. Chapn / Chapina 2. This word literally means nail. For whatever slangy reason, its the word commonly used to declare theres a problem. It is used more like "jerk". amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; In this case, not only is the finald lopped off, the intermediate erd morphs into an a. If you come across a Guatemalan or visiting the country, it's important to learn these 10 very brutal curse words! But when a Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone, he is on a different sort of huntone of love. Its not really rude because you only use it with close friends. The chicken buses in Guatemala are epic. The masculine version is traido for boyfriend. Second, the Mayan languages are also spoken in Guatemala, so you may hear people speaking them as well. Today, well learn 20 Guatemalan words to expand your Spanish slang vocabulary. Este desfile es muy viernes. Learn more here. In addition to the Mayan, Ladina, Xinka (Xinka) and Gar*funa culture groups, there are four other groups. One writer complained that the service at one hotel was so bad he had to get up and pick up the plates himself. Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Some 19 million persons speak Guatemalan Spanish. The verb cuajar means to coagulate, or to solidify. The translation for this word is female donkey, but here this word has nothing to do with the animal. It means to relax and do absolutely nothing. Its a bit shorter than most kinds, with a thicker peel, usable both when ripe or green for cooking. Podemos comer unas boquitas mientras vemos Netflix. Tomo una burra para ir al trabajo. 2023 Enux Education Limited. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; ), S, es una casaca hacerlo. Tuve que tomar la camioneta que va a la ciudad. Spanish is the national language of Spain and is spoken by people all over the country. Camilo le est echando los perros a Mara. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; He relates: Cuando el [jefe de los meseros] cay en la cuenta de su descuido, se hizo un queso para sacar el clavo. This word covers a wide range of insults and swear words, so I will go right to the examples. Your email address will not be published. Who are we going to send to City Hall to get the permit? And if youre looking to further your Spanish speaking skills, sign up for a free class to talk with one of our native-speaking teachers from Guatemala today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Spanish. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Lets send Enrique. Son, if you behave, Ill buy you some popcorn tonight at the movies. When we sleep, an observer may see that our body does something similar. A bochinche is a group of people making noise for a reason or cause. Guaranteed. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fcd7d61eae69fd11be85b996d0f89659"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; Guatemalans are not as given to hot, spicy foods as their Mexican neighbors. to eat little appetizers before the main meal, so you might eat some, This phrase is commonly used to refer to something thats, when youre talking, especially as an interjection. 25 Guatemalan Slang Terms to Help You Sound Like a Local, 10 Magically Great Sites to Find Skype Spanish Teachers, 5 Online Spanish Dictionaries to Define Your Learning, Learn Spanish Grammar and Vocabulary with These 12 Catchy Songs, 32 Superb Sites for Spanish Listening Practice to Amp Up Your Skills, Learn Spanish: 28 Websites for Every Learning Level, The Complete Guide to the Intermediate Spanish Level: Courses, Tips and Inspiration. Just like sparks, this word is used for people who are smart, people who will react quickly and effectively. Join the course now, before we come to our senses and charge for it! I had to include this one because its so common to hear and use in Guatemala. Ancient Mayan civilization is at Guatemalas core. How is Nicaraguan Spanish different from other Spanish variations? Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of gentilicios. It is the official language of Spain and the most widely spoken language in the country. Girlfriend in Guatemala A girlfriend is a common term used to describe someone in Guatemala. It refers to cash and a friend may ask to borrow pisto when they dont have enough. Usually, youll use the phrase right before you continue to explain the situation. 2023 I love Languages. Casacacan either be a lie or something that is easy. Theyre just like tapas in Spain; small portions but delicious. If you are a rubbernecker or a buttinsky, dont be surprised if in Guatemala you are described as shute, which essentially means nosy, prying or snoopy, and not of the Charlie Brown variety! Mara es chapina. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Similar to Hey! in English. ). Because it is the official language, it is spoken by the majority of Guatemalans. Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? A chapin is a person from Mexico who has a Spanish accent. Of course, its literal translation is water, but when you hear this spoken loudly it means that danger is approaching. At least thats what I read into the fact that he shows his face to communicate a salary increase at a moment more awkward than having a nosy mother-in-law along for the honeymoon. A huevos This literally means "to the eggs," but it is used to say "for sure." Quieres ir al cine maana? Onlookers can tell what is going on without explanations. In Guatemalan, Honduras, and El Salvador, the Spanish word for eaves is equivalent to friend.. Chapn/Chapina The "official" Spanish word for a person from Guatemala is Guatemalteco but the term is rarely used outside of textbooks. because it has a different meaning nearly everywhere you go. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. Be sure to check it out." 7 Guatemalan Spanish expressions about work By Lee Jamison All work and no play makes Jackor even Hectora dull boy! The presence of Guatemalans in the United States is important for the countrys prosperity, and their contributions to the economy are critical to its success. El piso est mojado Careful! This is another good example of slang phrases that are common in many parts of North and Central America. ), It can mean a big piece of excrement, but its often used between very close friends as a stand-in for the word dude.. Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here? Whether you are a futurebackpacker, or a future expat, we encourage you to embrace the local slang terms in any country you visit, and in this post, we will give you a list of the very bestGuatemalan slang. Jun 15, 2015 - Guatemalan Spanish Slang | Guatemalan Spanish Accent | Guatemalan Spanish Dictionary | Guatemalan Spanish Words | Guatemalan Culture. Love can make us act crazy. A verb used which means to annoy, and is normally used in a vulgar way. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Chapn / Chapina This is the unofficial Spanish word for a person from Guatemala. For example, if someone tried to overcharge you on a job or at the market, you would call that person achucho. 10 Ways to Speak Costa Rican Spanish Slang; Guatemala. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Mi pap es un chucho y nunca me da dinero. Thisis the perfect thing to say to a child who is about to stick something filthy in his mouth. And, as you will see, almost anything goes in these five Guatemalan Spanish phrases. Spanish is typically the first language of the locals, followed by English. Manuel, no seas culebra! Pisto 4. Learn Spanish. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; This is Guatemalan slang term for anyone with blonde or light colored hair. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; I have a big problem with my family. The country is home to a diverse range of languages, as reflected by its rich linguistic heritage. Zero to conversational in a month. Its easy to fly to from the U.S. or Canada. Guatemalan Slang: 22 Most Used Terms You Will Hear From A Local Aguas! Just say this. Como me gusta ese canche.I really like that blonde guy. Among the countrys Hispanic groups, the Guatemalan American population is the sixth largest, and the second largest in Central America after Salvadorans. It means wow! You can use it to encourage someone when they do something cool or to make fun of them because theyre trying to be cool. There are tons of fun Guatemalan words to learn in Spanish. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; 10 Brutal Guatemalan Spanish Curse Words You Need To Know To Survive In Guatemala! Translate Guatemalan slang. Here's a list of twenty words and phrases to get you started. Guatemala is full of wonder and magic, and its language is alive in its people and traditions. To rest or relax, or be relaxed, or to not do much (we can relate to this one). In English, the ideal equivalent is awesome or pretty. . . First of all, Spanish is spoken by over 572 million people, and its the official language of more than 20 countries. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Its astonishing what they were capable of achieving with limited resources. For example, you could use it as an adjective to describe something as. Tengo un gran clavo con mi familia. It merely means so, so. These are 10 slang words from the streets of Guatemala you should know if wanna sound like a native around Guatemalan people! Conjugation. Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in the country, followed by English. This term is used to refer to all your things. There is more to speaking a language than what comes in the typical textbook. You can use this to say you have a big problem with someone. Used asslang for snack food, or more commonly for appetizers before lunch or dinner. Cuando le ped a Antonio que me hiciera un favor ms, enojado me dijo: Qu! Literally, the word can be translated as a dog but in slang, this word describes a nasty and greedy person. Local words include, There are also many words unique to Central America, for example, chunche or chochadas or babosadas means "thing" or stuff in some places. They prefer to have everything handed to them on a plate. HOW CAN you make your Guatemalan Spanish more authentic? Vamos a Panajachel el lunes. Boquitas 7. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. We have come to the final and most important of this list. Spanish in Guatemala is a native language of the country. Chapn for a male and Chapina for a female. What Guatemalans call a small banana commonly seen in Central America. Download the exact curriculum that thousands of BaseLang students have used to become fluent in Spanish. Aguas cruzando la calle, recuerda! It means that the personfeels you are taking advantage of him. As a result, they enjoy going on walks and spending time in the outdoors. (Im not going to tell you, nosey.). Guatemalans made up 2% of the Hispanic population in the United States in 2017, according to estimates. FluentU brings Spanish to life with real-world videos. You already have a BaseLang account. We can eat some snacks while we watch Netflix. Mucha gente quiere la papa pelada y que otro siembre para cosechar nosotros. And there are many more useful things that can help you improve your Spanish skills with this This means wow! Use it to express excitement or amazement. Aguas! Even if you cant converse with a Guatemalan, you can use a program like FluentU to immerse yourself from home. I left my 'comfortable' job on Facebook to fulfill my dream - educating people worldwide. The word chispudo came from the word chispo, meaning spark. Click here to get a copy. The latter include guajolote "turkey" < Nahuatl huaxltl [waolot] (although chompipe is also used; pavo is also used, as in other Spanish-speaking countries); papalote "kite" < Nahuatl ppltl [papalot] "butterfly"; and jitomate "tomato" < Nahuatl xtomatl [itomat]. The charm he used on her worked, and now theyre dating. He or she can be 20 years old, but the point of the word used toward someone calling him a kid doesnt have a negative connotation. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Check out this sample of the local lingo. Metro buses, chicken buses, minibusses, everything is burra. Get ready to learn the language of Chapin with this quick guide. (The kids go to school Monday through Friday.). La casaca que le dijo funcion y ahora son novios. Its a pretty good slang term that is similar to how in English, people used to say they had beef with someone. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to say mucho gusto (short for nice to meet you). Guatemalan Spanish (Spanish: Espaol guatemalteco) is the national variant of Spanish spoken in the Central American country of Guatemala. Careful crossing the Street, remember! It is also possible to learn a variety of other languages in the country, including Mayan, Xinca, and Gar*funa languages. This, then, is the protest when someone tries to take advantage of a situation. For example, "No tengo un duro" is "I don't have money". Moreover, there is a lot of things you can visit, see and enjoy in Guatemala, starting from saved monuments from Abrochawill collect money, call out the next stops and do anything else that needs to be done on the bus. Falling in love can have a powerful effect on a person, almost like a drug. Me dijo una casaca sobre su familia. Let us know in a comment. In the western and northern departments of Guatemala "chamacos" is used to say children or kids. If you head to the Guatemalan coast, youll probably do a lot ofpeluche. Because it only works with close friends, using it is not rude. It is no surprise that the majority of the countrys inhabitants speak little English. Buenos da (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon), and buenas noches (good evening) greetings are also customary. It is a common term used in Guatemala to agree with something or to say yes. Communicating comes naturally to her and she hopes to simplify what seems complex by using reliable sources and her teaching experience. When you want to say that something is cool and great, something that is beyond your expectations in a positive way, use this slang word. For that reason, if a Guatemalan calls someone a culebra, he is probably just buttering someone up to get his way. They perch themselves motionless in a spot where they know creatures lower on the food chain will be passing by. But there is no math involved in this one. amzn_assoc_asins = "0615897509"; All Rights Reserved. Be quiet!, listen here!, and even shut up! are all colloquial expressions used to refer to being quiet. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is really greedy or stingy. You have to know before you go that the chicken buses in Guatemala are the workhorses of the transportation system. I had to take the chicken bus that goes to the city. I use this one all the time, and I love boquitas! Guatemalan slang Cuban slang Honduran Slang 1) Aguja When you are ready, prepared, or focused. Chapn and Gisa are content with their relationship and looking forward to many more happy years together. Interestingly, this word is so common among the locals that you can hear it all over the country. Its like saying, Ah, of course, I get it. Mayan teachings and rituals live on to this day in Guatemala. Zero to advanced. Slang for comfortable, sandal-like shoes normally worn at home. [8], A number of words widely used in Guatemala which have Mayan or other native origins, in particular names for flora, fauna and toponyms. This blog is presented by BaseLang: Unlimited Spanish Tutoring for $129 a Month. He is fattened, slaughtered, and taken to market, where every part of his body will be quartered and sold. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Costa Rican Spanish | Speak like a Native! But of course, you dont just use it to tell people when there is water nearby. For example, when youre with a group of close friends, you might want to get their attention, so you tell them to be quiet so they listen to you. (My best friend is a blondie. Maria es chispuda y sabe todas las respuestas. In other Latin American Spanish-speaking countries, the term Chapine is colloquially used to describe the people of Guatemala. When someone really wants to get close to you and get your attention, they use casaca. This is one that has lots of related meanings such as awesome, pretty, good, etc. The vast majority of the countrys residents speak at least two and five different languages. I need to tell you something.). Its definitely a compliment. (This parade is a drag.). amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Al menos esa es la lectura que yo le doy el querer sacar la cara para comunicar el aumento de salarios en un momento ms impertinente que una suegra shute en la luna de miel. The term chap chap was coined as a result of the sound of heels made against cobblestone. Voy a echarme un cuaje, mientras el beb est durmiendo. You makemore money than I do! , get ready to learn some Guatemalan slang. (I take a bus to work.). These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! (He tried to charge me 100 quetzals, what a cheapskate!). In general, chucho is a very difficult word to translate because it has a different meaning nearly everywhere you go. This concept can also be conveyed in a word that is shorter than two syllables. For example, when youre with a group of close friends, you might want to get their attention, so you, so they listen to you. As a final tidbit of information, do you know where the name of the country comes from? What other slang words do you know and like to use? However, in Guatemala, it is a term of endearment for a friend. So that means that this is actually Guatemalan slang for bite-sized food. The word burra comes from burro, which is a donkey in Spanish. Here are very common expressions: