Venezuelan slang: 300 phrases to sound like a local

300 phrases
300 real examples
74 slang
6 regions
35 local phrases
17 marked vulgar

Venezuelans talk fast, joke all the time and call everyone "chamo" or "pana". This page gives you the 300 words and phrases you'll hear in Caracas, Maracaibo and Mérida, with a real example for each one.

Greetings and small talk 18

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
1	¡Epa!	Hey!	¡Epa, chamo! ¿Para dónde vas tan apurado?Hey, man! Where are you rushing off to?	Casual The most Venezuelan way to say hi or get attention. Also "¡épale!", a longer, friendlier form.
2	¡Buenas!	Hi! (good morning, afternoon or evening)	¡Buenas! ¿Tiene cachitos de jamón?Hi! Do you have ham rolls?	Everyday It works at any hour. Say it when you walk into a shop, a taxi or a bus.
3	¿Qué más?	What's up? How's it going?	¡Epa, chamo! ¿Qué más? ¿Todo bien?Hey, man! What's up? All good?	Casual A warm hello to someone you know. Answer "Aquí, tranquilito".
4	A la orden	You're welcome, at your service	Gracias por el vuelto. A la orden, mi amor.Thanks for the change. You're welcome, dear.	Everyday What shop staff say instead of "de nada".
5	Mi reina / mi rey	My queen, my king (dear)	Pase adelante, mi reina, que ya la atiendo.Come on in, dear, I'll be right with you.	Everyday Kind and common from older people and vendors.
6	Mijo / mija	Son, honey (my child)	Mija, abrígate que está haciendo frío.Honey, wrap up, it's getting cold.	Everyday Older people use it with anyone younger.
7	Mano	Bro, buddy	¿Qué pasó, mano? ¿Vienes a la playa?What's up, bro? Coming to the beach?	Casual Short for "hermano". Friends say it to each other all day.
8	¿Qué tal?	How are you? What's up?	¡Buenas! ¿Qué tal, vale? ¿Todo bien por aquí?Hi! How's it going, pal? All good here?	Everyday Works with friends and strangers alike.
9	Tranquilito	Doing fine, all calm	Aquí, tranquilito, echándole pichón al trabajo.I'm here, doing fine, working hard.	Casual A relaxed answer to "how are you?".
10	Vale	Pal, buddy	¿Qué más, vale? ¿Todo bien?What's up, pal? All good?	Casual Like "chico" or "pana" between friends, and you hear it most in Zulia and the east. For "okay", say "dale".
11	¡De bolas!	Of course! For sure!	¿Vienes a la playa mañana? ¡De bolas!Are you coming to the beach tomorrow? Of course!	Slang A fast, sure yes. "Bolas" is a rude word for balls, so keep it for friends.
12	¿Aló?	Hello? (on the phone)	¿Aló? Sí, ya voy llegando, espérame.Hello? Yes, I'm almost there, wait for me.	Everyday How everyone answers the phone.
13	Chaíto	Bye-bye	Bueno, me voy. ¡Chaíto, mi reina!Okay, I'm off. Bye-bye, sweetie!	Casual A soft goodbye, very common with friends and family.
14	Me abro	I'm out, I'm leaving	Bueno, chamos, me abro, que mañana salgo temprano para el aeropuerto.Okay, guys, I'm out. I leave early for the airport tomorrow.	Casual How you say you're leaving a group or a party.
15	Hasta ahorita	See you in a bit	Voy al abasto. Hasta ahorita.I'm going to the store. See you in a bit.	Casual A goodbye when you'll be back soon.
16	¡Bendición!	Bless me (said to parents and elders)	¡Bendición, abuela! Dios te bendiga, mijo.Bless me, Grandma! God bless you, son.	Everyday Said to parents and elders. You'll hear it, but you won't need to say it.
17	¡Háblame!	Talk to me, what's new?	¡Háblame, mano! ¿Qué es de tu vida?Talk to me, bro! What's new with you?	Slang A cool hello between young guys.
18	¿Cuál es la beta?	What's the gossip? What's the news?	Epa, chama, ¿cuál es la beta con Carlos?Hey, girl, what's the story with Carlos?	Slang "La beta" is the juicy news everyone wants.

Getting around 27

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
19	¿Cuánto es la carrera?	How much is the ride?	Señor, ¿cuánto es la carrera hasta Altamira?Sir, how much is the ride to Altamira?	Everyday Taxis have no meter. Agree on the "carrera" before you get in.
20	Taxi pirata	Unlicensed taxi	No te montes en un taxi pirata en el aeropuerto.Don't get into an unlicensed taxi at the airport.	Everyday Use an app or an official taxi line.
21	Pedir un Ridery	Order a ride on the app	Ya es tarde, mejor pide un Ridery desde el hotel.It's late, better order a ride from the hotel.	Everyday A popular local ride app, like Yummy. There's no Uber.
22	¡Parada!	Stop here, please!	¡En la parada, chofer, por favor!At the stop, driver, please!	Everyday What you shout to get off the bus. "La parada" is also the bus stop, and "¿Me deja en la esquina?" names your corner.
23	Por puesto	Shared taxi on a fixed route	Agarra un por puesto en la esquina, te deja en la plaza.Get a shared taxi at the corner. It drops you at the square.	Everyday You pay per seat. Outside Caracas it's often a "carrito por puesto".
24	Camionetica	Small city bus	La camionetica viene full a esta hora, mejor espera la otra.The little bus is packed at this hour. Better wait for the next one.	Everyday The minibus most locals take. Some people call it a "buseta".
25	Pasaje	Bus fare	¿Cuánto es el pasaje hasta el centro?How much is the fare downtown?	Everyday Many drivers take pago móvil for the fare.
26	La redoma	Traffic circle	Bájate en la redoma y agarra otra camionetica.Get off at the traffic circle and catch another minibus.	Everyday Every city has them, and they're handy landmarks for taxis and buses.
27	El terminal	Long-distance bus station	¿A qué hora sale el bus para Mérida desde el terminal?What time does the bus to Mérida leave from the bus station?	Everyday Big bus companies leave from each city's main terminal. Buy your ticket there.
28	Bus ejecutivo	Premium long-distance bus	Para el viaje de noche, compra pasaje en el ejecutivo.For the overnight trip, buy a ticket on the premium bus.	Everyday Reclining seats and air conditioning. The basic buses are slower and more crowded.
29	¡Mosca!	Watch out! Heads up!	¡Mosca con el teléfono en el metro!Watch your phone on the subway!	Casual "Estar mosca" means to stay alert.
30	Ojo pelao	Keep your eyes peeled	Ojo pelao en el centro, que hay mucho choro.Keep your eyes peeled downtown. There are lots of thieves.	Casual A friendly safety warning.
31	Pilas	Sharp; watch out!	¡Pilas con el bolso en el metro!Watch your bag on the subway!	Casual Also "sharp": "Esa niña es pilas". "Ponerse las pilas" is to get your act together.
32	Dar la cola	Give someone a ride	¿Me das la cola hasta el centro? Te queda de paso.Can you give me a ride downtown? It's on your way.	Everyday "Pedir cola" is to ask for a ride. "Hacer la cola" still means to stand in line.
33	Mototaxi	Motorbike taxi	Pide un mototaxi, que con esta tranca no llegas nunca.Get a motorbike taxi. With this traffic you'll never make it.	Everyday Fast but risky. Ask for a helmet.
34	Motorizado	Motorbike rider, courier	Un motorizado te trae la comida en veinte minutos.A guy on a motorbike brings your food in 20 minutes.	Everyday Also the delivery guy.
35	Tranca	Traffic jam	Hay una tranca horrible en la autopista.There's a horrible traffic jam on the highway.	Everyday Rush hour in Caracas means long trancas. Leave early for the airport.
36	Alcabala	Police or army checkpoint	En la alcabala te piden papeles. Ten el pasaporte a mano.They ask for papers at the checkpoint. Keep your passport handy.	Everyday Common on highways. Stay calm and polite.
37	A pata 'e mingo	Really close, a stone's throw	La playa queda a pata 'e mingo del hotel.The beach is a stone's throw from the hotel.	Slang From the game of bolas criollas.
38	Bájale dos	Calm down, take it down a notch	Bájale dos, chamo, que no es para tanto.Calm down, man, it's not that big a deal.	Casual You can also say it to a fast driver: "Chofer, bájale dos".
39	La perrera	Cargo truck used as a bus	Cuando no hay camioneticas, la gente se monta en la perrera.When there are no buses, people ride in the cargo truck.	Slang Literally "the dog cage". Avoid them.
40	Parrillero	The passenger on the back of a motorbike	El parrillero tiene que llevar casco también.The passenger on the back has to wear a helmet too.	Everyday You'll see it on road signs.
41	La bomba	Gas station	Echamos gasolina en la bomba antes de salir.We filled up at the gas station before we left.	Everyday Expect lines at some stations. The gas tank is "el pote".
42	Colearse	Cut in line	No te colees, que todos estamos esperando la camionetica.Don't cut in line, we're all waiting for the bus.	Casual For cars too: "Ese carro se coleó en la bomba".
43	Coñazo	A hard hit; a big problem	Se dio un coñazo con el carro, pero está bien.He crashed the car hard, but he's okay.	Vulgar Very common, but it comes from "coño". "Echarse coñazos" is to get in a fistfight.
44	Dame un chance	Give me a moment, give me a chance	Dame un chance, que voy a buscar el vuelto.Give me a sec, I'm going to get your change.	Casual Asks someone to wait. Also used to ask for an opportunity.
45	Policía acostado	Speed bump	Baja la velocidad, que ahí viene un policía acostado.Slow down, there's a speed bump coming.	Everyday Literally "lying-down police officer".

Food and drink 35

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
46	¿Qué le provoca?	What would you like?	Buenas tardes, ¿qué le provoca? Hay arepas y cachapas.Good afternoon, what would you like? There are arepas and corn pancakes.	Everyday How waiters ask. Answer "Me provoca una arepa".
47	Mesonero / mesonera	Waiter, waitress	Mesonero, ¿nos trae la cuenta, por favor?Waiter, could you bring us the check, please?	Everyday "Camarero" or "mesero" in other countries. Check the bill for a service line before you leave "la propina".
48	Arepa	Corn patty, split and stuffed	Dame una arepa de carne mechada con queso, por favor.I'll have an arepa with shredded beef and cheese, please.	Everyday Breakfast, lunch and late-night food.
49	Arepera	Arepa restaurant	Vamos a la arepera de la esquina, abre toda la noche.Let's go to the arepa place on the corner. It's open all night.	Everyday Fine for the restaurant, but for a person it's a slur for a lesbian.
50	Reina pepiada	Arepa with chicken and avocado salad	Para mí, una reina pepiada y un jugo de parchita.For me, a chicken and avocado arepa and a passion fruit juice.	Everyday The most famous arepa filling.
51	Empanada	Fried corn turnover	Dos empanadas de queso y una malta, por favor.2 cheese empanadas and a malt soda, please.	Everyday Fried and filled. A classic breakfast.
52	Tequeño	Fried cheese stick in dough	No hay fiesta en Venezuela sin tequeños.There's no party in Venezuela without cheese sticks.	Everyday Order 12, they go fast.
53	Cachapa	Sweet corn pancake	Una cachapa con queso de mano es lo mejor de la carretera.A corn pancake with fresh cheese is the best road food.	Everyday Sold at roadside stands.
54	Pepito	Loaded street sandwich	Al salir de la rumba nos comimos un pepito de carne.After the party we ate a loaded beef sandwich.	Everyday Late-night street food piled with sauces.
55	Perro caliente	Hot dog	Un perro caliente con todo, por favor.A hot dog with everything, please.	Everyday Sold from street carts at night. "Con todo" gets you every topping.
56	Pabellón	Rice, beans, beef and plantain	Hoy el almuerzo es pabellón criollo.Lunch today is the national rice and beans plate.	Everyday The national dish. Add an egg "a caballo".
57	Cachito	Ham-filled croissant roll	Pasé por la panadería y traje cachitos para todos.I stopped at the bakery and brought ham rolls for everyone.	Everyday The classic bakery breakfast.
58	Golfeado	Sticky sweet roll with cheese	Un golfeado y un marrón para el desayuno.A sweet roll and a coffee with milk for breakfast.	Everyday Topped with cane sugar syrup and white cheese.
59	Marrón	Coffee with a little milk	¿Me da un marrón grande, por favor?Could I get a big coffee with milk, please?	Everyday "Marrón claro" has more milk.
60	Negrito	Black coffee	Un negrito corto para despertarme.A small black coffee to wake me up.	Everyday Strong and small. Ask for it "cerrero" if you want it with no sugar.
61	Guayoyo	Weak, watery black coffee	En la casa de mi abuela solo toman guayoyo.At my grandma's house they only drink weak coffee.	Everyday Like a mild American coffee.
62	Malta	Sweet malt soda	Con las empanadas, una malta bien fría.With the empanadas, an ice-cold malt soda.	Everyday It has no alcohol. Kids and adults drink it.
63	Papelón con limón	Raw sugar cane drink with lime	Con este calor, un papelón con limón bien frío.In this heat, an ice-cold sugar cane lemonade.	Everyday Sweet, cheap and everywhere.
64	Merengada	Milkshake	Pedí una merengada de fresa con el perro caliente.I ordered a strawberry milkshake with my hot dog.	Everyday "Batido" is with water, "merengada" is with milk. As a joke, tap water is "merengada de tubo" or "jugo de tubo".
65	Chicha	Thick rice and milk drink	Me tomé una chicha bien fría en la plaza.I had an ice-cold rice drink in the square.	Everyday Sweet and spiced. Street carts sell it.
66	Cepillado	Shaved ice with fruit syrup	Con este calor, un cepillado de parchita, por favor.In this heat, a passion fruit shaved ice, please.	Everyday Street carts sell it on hot days.
67	Pan de jamón	Christmas bread rolled with ham, raisins and olives	En diciembre no falta el pan de jamón en la mesa.In December there's always ham bread on the table.	Everyday A Christmas staple. Bakeries sell it all through December.
68	Pasapalos	Finger food, snacks with drinks	En la fiesta hubo pasapalos toda la noche.There was finger food all night at the party.	Everyday Party snacks served with drinks.
69	Tajadas	Fried sweet plantain slices	¿El pabellón viene con tajadas?Does the rice plate come with fried plantains?	Everyday Sweet and soft.
70	Caraotas	Black beans	Las caraotas negras van con todo.Black beans go with everything.	Everyday "Frijoles" in other countries.
71	Guasacaca	Avocado and herb sauce	Échale guasacaca a la carne, queda buenísima.Put some avocado sauce on the meat, it's so good.	Everyday On grilled meat and arepas.
72	Hallaca	Christmas corn cake in a banana leaf	En diciembre toda la familia se junta a hacer hallacas.In December the whole family gets together to make hallacas.	Everyday Christmas only. A big family job.
73	Quesillo	Venezuelan flan	De postre hay quesillo de mi tía.For dessert there's my aunt's flan.	Everyday It has no cheese, despite the name.
74	Bienmesabe	Coconut sponge cake dessert	De postre, un bienmesabe bien frío, por favor.For dessert, an ice-cold coconut cake, please.	Everyday Sponge cake soaked in coconut cream with a splash of rum.
75	Cambur	Banana	Cómete un cambur antes de salir a correr.Eat a banana before you go running.	Everyday "Plátano" is the big cooking plantain.
76	Parchita	Passion fruit	El jugo de parchita está recién hecho.The passion fruit juice is freshly made.	Everyday "Maracuyá" in most other countries. About a person, it's a slur for a gay man.
77	Lechosa	Papaya	De desayuno, un plato de lechosa con limón.For breakfast, a plate of papaya with lime.	Everyday Locals say "lechosa" far more than "papaya".
78	Cotufas	Popcorn	Compramos cotufas y refresco para la película.We bought popcorn and soda for the movie.	Everyday "Palomitas" elsewhere.
79	Pitillo	Drinking straw	Me da un jugo sin pitillo, por favor.A juice without a straw, please.	Everyday "Pajita" or "popote" elsewhere.
80	Pasticho	Lasagna	Los domingos mi mamá hace pasticho.On Sundays my mom makes lasagna.	Everyday The Venezuelan word for lasagna. You'll see it on menus.

Money and shopping 31

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
81	¿Cuánto sale?	How much is it?	¿Cuánto sale el kilo de queso?How much is a kilo of cheese?	Everyday "Salir" here means "to cost".
82	¿Me hace una rebajita?	Can you knock a bit off?	Me llevo tres. ¿Me hace una rebajita?I'll take 3. Can you knock a bit off?	Everyday Ask with a smile at markets and taxis. "¿Cuál es su último precio?" asks for the best price.
83	Abasto	Corner grocery store	Pasa por el abasto y compra pan y queso.Stop by the corner store and buy bread and cheese.	Everyday Small shops in every neighborhood.
84	Bodegón	Shop selling imported goods for dollars	En el bodegón hay chocolates gringos, pero todo es en dólares.The import shop has American chocolate, but it's all in dollars.	Everyday Pricier than the abasto.
85	¿A qué tasa?	At what exchange rate?	Son 10 dólares. ¿A qué tasa me lo cobras en bolívares?It's 10 dollars. At what rate are you charging me in bolívares?	Everyday Shops often list prices in dollars, and you can pay in bolívares at the day's rate.
86	Tasa BCV	The official exchange rate	Son 10 dólares, o en bolívares a tasa BCV.It's 10 dollars, or bolívares at the official rate.	Everyday The Central Bank's rate. It changes daily, and shops must use it to turn dollar prices into bolívares.
87	¿Tiene punto?	Do you take cards?	¿Tiene punto o es solo efectivo?Do you take cards, or is it cash only?	Everyday "Punto" is the card machine. Ask before you order.
88	Pago móvil	Instant phone bank transfer	Te hago un pago móvil, pásame tu número y tu cédula.I'll send you a mobile payment. Give me your number and ID.	Everyday Locals pay for almost everything this way. It needs a Venezuelan bank account, so you'll pay in cash dollars, by Zelle or by card.
89	Zelle	US bank transfer app	¿Te puedo pagar por Zelle?Can I pay you by Zelle?	Everyday A US app many locals use to pay each other in dollars.
90	En físico / efectivo	In cash	¿Me pagas por Zelle o en físico?Are you paying me by Zelle or in cash?	Everyday Cash in your hand, often dollar bills. Bring clean bills, since many shops refuse torn ones.
91	Sencillo	Small change, small bills	¿Tienes sencillo? No tengo para el pasaje.Do you have small change? I don't have enough for the bus.	Everyday Small bills make taxis and tips easier. Your change back is "el vuelto".
92	Guiso	A shady deal, a scam	Ese negocio de dólares baratos me huele a guiso.That cheap-dollar deal smells like a scam to me.	Slang Any deal with something dirty behind it. "Guisar" is to run one.
93	Ñapa	A little extra for free	Le eché una ñapa de cambures por comprar tanto.I threw in a few extra bananas because you bought so much.	Everyday Ask "¿y la ñapa?" at the market with a smile.
94	Caribear	Rip off, outsmart	No te dejes caribear con el precio del taxi.Don't let them rip you off on the taxi fare.	Slang To con someone with charm.
95	Tumbar	Rob, steal; steal someone's partner	Me tumbaron el teléfono en el metro.They stole my phone on the subway.	Slang "Me tumbaron" means you got robbed. "Tumbar la jeva" is to steal someone's girl.
96	Matraca	Bribe	El policía quería matraca para dejarnos pasar.The cop wanted a bribe to let us through.	Slang "Matraquear" is to shake someone down.
97	Bachaquero	Reseller who marks prices way up	No le compres al bachaquero, en el abasto sale más barato.Don't buy from the reseller, it's cheaper at the corner store.	Slang From "bachaco", a big ant that hauls food. People named resellers after it in the shortages.
98	Tracalero / tracalera	Cheat, con artist	Ese vendedor es un tracalero, te vendió el teléfono usado como nuevo.That seller is a con artist. He sold you a used phone as new.	Slang "Tracalear" is to cheat someone, so count your change.
99	Verdes / lechugas	US dollars	Aquí todo se cobra en verdes.Everything here is priced in US dollars.	Slang People pay in dollars and bolívares every day.
100	Bolos	Bolívares	¿Me lo cobras en bolos o en dólares?Do I pay you in bolívares or in dollars?	Slang The local currency, said casually.
101	Un palo	A million (bolívares)	Antes de la reconversión, un café costaba como 2 palos.Before the currency reform, a coffee cost about 2 million.	Slang "Palos" are millions. You hear it mostly about old prices, since the bolívar lost 6 zeros in 2021.
102	Churupos	Money, cash	Ando sin churupos hasta el viernes.I'm out of money until Friday.	Slang Once the name of an old copper coin. Now it means any money.
103	Hacer una vaca	Pool money	Hagamos una vaca para la torta de cumpleaños.Let's chip in for the birthday cake.	Everyday Common among friends and coworkers.
104	Bajarse de la mula	Pay up, cough up the money	Bueno, chamo, bájate de la mula que te toca a ti.Okay, man, cough up, it's your turn to pay.	Slang A joking way to tell someone to pay.
105	Real / reales	Money, cash	No tengo real para salir este fin de semana.I don't have any money to go out this weekend.	Casual "Real" means money in general here.
106	Biyuyo	Cash, dough	Ese tipo tiene biyuyo, mira el carro que tiene.That guy has money. Look at his car.	Slang Also spelled "billullo".
107	Estar pelando / pelabola	To be broke; a broke person	Este mes estoy pelando, soy un pelabola.I'm broke this month, I've got nothing.	Slang Short for "estar pelando bolas". "No tengo ni medio" is the clean way to say you don't have a cent.
108	Comerse un cable	Be flat broke	Estoy comiéndome un cable hasta la quincena.I'm flat broke until payday.	Slang A funny way to say you have no money at all.
109	Pichirre	Stingy, cheap	No seas pichirre y brinda una ronda.Don't be cheap, buy a round.	Casual Teasing among friends.
110	Mango bajito	Easy target, easy win	El turista con la cámara es mango bajito para los choros.The tourist with the camera is an easy target for thieves.	Slang Also an easy job or a bargain.
111	Coronar	Score, pull it off	¡Coroné! Conseguí los pasajes baratos.I did it! I got cheap tickets.	Slang Getting the deal or the job. It also means to score with someone you've been chasing.

Bars and going out 23

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
112	Una fría	A cold beer	Dame dos frías, por favor.2 cold beers, please.	Casual Beer comes ice cold here. Young people also call it a "birra".
113	Una Polarcita	A Polar beer, the default order	Señor, dos Polarcitas bien frías, por favor.Sir, 2 ice-cold Polars, please.	Everyday The default beer. The "-cita" just makes it friendly.
114	Un tobo	A bucket of beers	Pide un tobo de Polar para la mesa.Order a bucket of Polar for the table.	Casual "Tobo" means bucket, and at a bar it's beers on ice. It's the standard order for a group.
115	Rumba	Party, night out	La rumba en Las Mercedes empieza tarde.The party scene in Las Mercedes starts late.	Everyday Any party or night out. "Salir a rumbear" is to go out partying.
116	Tasca	Spanish-style tavern and restaurant	Vamos a una tasca en La Candelaria por unas frías.Let's go to a tavern in La Candelaria for a few cold ones.	Everyday Tapas, seafood and beer. For a cheap dive bar, say "barcito".
117	Licorería	Liquor store that also serves drinks	Pasamos por la licorería a comprar hielo y una botella.We stopped at the liquor store for ice and a bottle.	Everyday Sells bottles, and many have tables for drinking.
118	Bonche	Get-together, party	Mañana hay bonche en casa de Luis.There's a get-together at Luis's place tomorrow.	Casual Loud and fun, often at home.
119	Echarse los palos	Go out drinking	El sábado nos echamos unos palos en la playa.On Saturday we're going drinking at the beach.	Slang "Un palo" is 1 drink, often a shot. Say "echarse unos palos" with the plural "se", because "echar un palo" alone can sound like sex.
120	Gozar un puyero	Have a blast	Fuimos a la fiesta y gozamos un puyero.We went to the party and had a blast.	Slang "Un puyero" means a lot of something. Say it after any good night out.
121	Guarapita	Fruit juice and rum punch	En la fiesta de la playa sirvieron guarapita de parchita.At the beach party they served passion fruit rum punch.	Everyday Homemade and sweet, so it hits harder than you think.
122	Bochinche	Rowdy party, a noisy mess	Anoche hubo un bochinche en casa del vecino hasta las cuatro.Last night there was a rowdy party at the neighbor's place until 4.	Casual It can also mean a loud fight or a big mess.
123	Caña	Booze, alcohol	En esa fiesta había caña para regalar.There was booze to spare at that party.	Slang Any alcohol, rum or beer or whisky.
124	Curda	Booze; a drinking session	Ayer agarró una curda y hoy no se puede levantar.Yesterday he got drunk and today he can't get up.	Slang "Agarrar una curda" is to get drunk. "Una curda" is also a whole drinking spell. For the booze itself, say "caña".
125	Pea	A drunken binge	Agarró una pea tan grande que no se acuerda de nada.He got so drunk he doesn't remember a thing.	Slang "Agarrar una pea" is to get very drunk.
126	Prendido	Wasted, or (a party) in full swing	A las dos de la mañana la rumba estaba prendida.At 2 a.m. the party was in full swing.	Slang For a person it means very drunk.
127	Rascado	Drunk	Llegó rascado y se quedó dormido en el sofá.He came home drunk and fell asleep on the couch.	Slang "Rascarse" is to get drunk.
128	Ratón	Hangover	Tengo un ratón que no me puedo ni parar.I have such a hangover I can't even get up.	Slang "Estar enratonado" is to be hungover. "Ratón moral" is the guilt after a wild night.
129	Brollo	Trouble, a mess	Se armó un brollo en la discoteca y llegó la policía.Trouble broke out at the club and the police showed up.	Casual Any mess, mix-up or fight. It's the clean word for a "peo".
130	Cocuy	Agave spirit from Falcón and Lara	Prueba el cocuy, es como el mezcal venezolano.Try the cocuy, it's like Venezuelan mezcal.	Regional Made in Lara and Falcón. It's strong, so sip it slowly.
131	Arrocero	Party crasher	Llegaron tres arroceros y se comieron todos los tequeños.3 party crashers showed up and ate all the cheese sticks.	Slang "Llegar de arrocero" is to crash a party.
132	Algo tranqui	Something low-key, a chill night in	Hoy no quiero rumba, algo tranqui en la casa.I don't want to party tonight, just something low-key at home.	Casual The opposite of a big night out. Older people say "tipo tranquilo".
133	Zaperoco	An uproar, a commotion	Cuando llegó la policía se armó un zaperoco en la fiesta.When the police showed up, the party turned into an uproar.	Casual "Se armó un zaperoco" means things blew up.
134	Echar carro	Stand someone up; slack off	Quedamos a las 9, pero me echó carro.We said 9, but he stood me up.	Slang Also for someone who skips work.

Friends and people 24

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
135	Pana	Friend, buddy	Él es mi pana desde el colegio.He's been my buddy since school.	Casual The main word for friend. "Panita" is the warm form, and "es muy pana" means he's nice.
136	Chamo / chama	Kid, guy, girl, dude	¿Qué pasó, chamo? ¿Viste el partido anoche?What's up, man? Did you see the game last night?	Casual For anyone young, and to call out to a friend.
137	Musiú	Foreigner	El musiú está aprendiendo a hacer arepas.The foreigner is learning to make arepas.	Casual From French "monsieur". You'll hear it about you.
138	Gringo / gringa	White foreigner, often an American	El gringo del hostal habla español mejor que yo.The American at the hostel speaks Spanish better than I do.	Casual You'll hear it about you. It's usually neutral.
139	Catire / catira	Blond person	El catire de la cámara es turista, seguro.The blond guy with the camera is a tourist for sure.	Casual Not rude. People call light-skinned people this too.
140	Hablar paja	Shoot the breeze, talk nonsense	Nos quedamos hasta tarde hablando paja en la plaza.We stayed late in the square just shooting the breeze.	Casual Chatting about nothing, or talking nonsense.
141	Echar broma	Goof around, have fun	Pasamos la tarde echando broma en la playa.We spent the afternoon goofing around at the beach.	Casual Hanging out and having a laugh.
142	Mi llave	My close friend, my buddy	Mi llave me prestó el carro para el viaje.My buddy lent me the car for the trip.	Casual A close friend you trust.
143	Carajo	Guy, dude	Ese carajo me debe plata desde mayo.That guy has owed me money since May.	Casual A rough "guy". Not polite.
144	Carajito / carajita	Kid, little one	Los carajitos están jugando en la calle.The kids are playing in the street.	Casual Fine for kids, rude for an adult.
145	Tercio	Guy, some dude	Vino un tercio a preguntar por ti.Some guy came by asking for you.	Slang A guy you don't name or don't know.
146	Gocho / gocha	Person from the Andes	Los gochos hablan bonito y tratan a todo el mundo de usted.Andean people talk nicely and call everyone "usted".	Regional People from Mérida, Táchira and Trujillo. Friends use it to tease, but from a stranger it can sound mocking.
147	Maracucho / maracucha	Person from Maracaibo	Los maracuchos dicen que su gaita es la mejor.People from Maracaibo say their gaita music is the best.	Regional Said in Maracaibo and all over Zulia. People know maracuchos for being loud and proud.
148	Enchufado	Well-connected insider	Consiguió el cargo porque es enchufado.He got the job because he's well connected.	Slang Often political. Careful who you say it to.
149	Palanca	Inside contact, connections	Consiguió la cita rápido porque tiene palanca en el consulado.He got the appointment fast because he has a contact at the consulate.	Casual A friend on the inside who gets things done.
150	Chivo / chivo grande	Big shot	Ese señor es un chivo grande en la empresa.That man is a big shot at the company.	Slang A powerful or important person.
151	Malandro	Thug, street criminal	De noche esa calle se llena de malandros.At night that street fills up with thugs.	Slang Also someone who acts tough.
152	Choro	Petty thief	Un choro le quitó el teléfono en la parada.A thief snatched his phone at the bus stop.	Casual Pickpockets and phone thieves.
153	Guachimán	Security guard	Pregúntale al guachimán dónde está la entrada.Ask the security guard where the entrance is.	Everyday From English "watchman".
154	Sapo	Snitch, nosy person	No le cuentes nada, que ese es un sapo.Don't tell him anything, he's a snitch.	Slang "Sapear" is to snitch.
155	Pavoso	Jinx, bad-luck person	No lo invites al partido, que es pavoso.Don't invite him to the game, he's a jinx.	Slang "Pava" is bad luck. A lucky person is "lechúo", and in Lara it's "templao".
156	Lechúo	Lucky	¡Qué lechúo! Se ganó la rifa dos veces.So lucky! He won the raffle twice.	Slang Friends say it, often with a little envy.
157	Arrimado	Freeloader who lives with you	Mi cuñado lleva un año de arrimado en la casa.My brother-in-law has been freeloading at our place for a year.	Casual Someone who moves in and stays.
158	Cotorra	Long, boring talk	Mi tío me echó una cotorra de dos horas sobre política.My uncle talked my ear off about politics for 2 hours.	Casual Someone who talks nonstop is a "radio loco".

Reactions and feelings 29

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
159	Chévere	Cool, great	El hotel está chévere y queda cerca de la playa.The hotel is great and it's close to the beach.	Everyday The safest "cool" there is. "¡Qué chévere conocerte!" means "great to meet you".
160	Fino	Awesome, cool	¡Fino! Entonces nos vemos a las ocho.Awesome! See you at 8 then.	Casual Means great. "¿Todo fino?" means "All good?".
161	¡Qué nota!	How cool!	¡Qué nota esa vista desde el Ávila!How cool is that view from the Ávila!	Slang "Una nota" is something great.
162	¡Cónchale!	Darn! Geez!	¡Cónchale, se me quedaron las llaves!Darn, I left my keys behind!	Casual A soft version of "coño". Safe almost anywhere.
163	¡Ah, broma!	Oh, come on! What a pain!	¡Ah, broma! Se me espichó el caucho otra vez.Oh, come on! I got a flat tire again.	Casual Mild and safe.
164	¡Qué pava!	What bad luck!	¡Qué pava! Llovió justo el día de la playa.What bad luck! It rained on our beach day.	Casual "Le cayó la pava" means bad luck hit him.
165	¡Qué cuchi!	How cute!	¡Qué cuchi tu perrito! ¿Cómo se llama?Your puppy is so cute! What's his name?	Casual For babies, pets and couples.
166	Tener violín	Have body odor	Después del partido, todo el mundo tenía violín.After the game, everyone smelled.	Casual A joke, but a rude one to say to someone's face. For anything gross, say "¡guácala!".
167	Heavy	Intense, wild	Esa película de terror está heavy.That horror movie is intense.	Slang From English, said "jevi".
168	¡Na' guará!	Wow! No way!	¡Na' guará, qué calor está haciendo!Wow, it's so hot!	Regional The trademark of Lara and Barquisimeto.
169	¡Qué ladilla!	What a drag!	¡Qué ladilla esta cola en el banco!What a drag, this line at the bank!	Slang Boring or annoying. A pest is "una ladilla", and "estar ladillado" is to be bored stiff.
170	¡Ni de vaina!	No way! Not a chance!	¿Prestarle el carro otra vez? ¡Ni de vaina!Lend him the car again? No way!	Casual A firm no. It's the milder form of "¡ni de verga!".
171	Achantado	Lazy, sluggish	Con este calor estoy achantado, no quiero salir.I feel sluggish in this heat, I don't want to go out.	Casual Low energy, no drive.
172	Me da culillo	It scares me	Me da culillo manejar de noche por esa carretera.I'm scared to drive that road at night.	Casual Fear or nerves.
173	Está pelúo	It's tough, it's hard	Está pelúo conseguir pasaje para diciembre.It's tough to get a ticket for December.	Slang Hard to do or hard to get.
174	Enguayabado	Sad, missing someone	Está enguayabado desde que su novia se fue.He's been down since his girlfriend left.	Casual Homesick or heartsick.
175	Chimbo	Lousy, bad, fake	Ese cargador es chimbo, se dañó en una semana.That charger is junk, it broke in a week.	Slang Bad quality, a bad situation or a killjoy.
176	Echar candela	Fume, blow up	Cuando vio la cuenta empezó a echar candela.When he saw the bill he blew up.	Casual Show anger loudly.
177	Estar vuelto leña	Be wiped out	Después de subir el Ávila estoy vuelto leña.After hiking the Ávila I'm wiped out.	Casual Totally exhausted.
178	Patatús	Fainting spell	Casi me da un patatús cuando vi el precio.I nearly fainted when I saw the price.	Casual Often a joke about a big shock.
179	¡Sape gato!	No way! Forget it!	¿Que te preste el carro? ¡Sape gato!You want to borrow my car? No way!	Casual A playful, firm no. It's old-school, and you hear it mostly from older people.
180	Tener fogaje	Have a slight fever	Tengo fogaje, creo que me va a dar gripe.I'm running a bit of a fever, I think I'm getting the flu.	Casual A low fever or a hot, flushed feeling. Say "fiebre" at the doctor.
181	Dar un baile	Crush someone, win by a mile	El Caracas le dio un baile al Magallanes anoche.Caracas crushed Magallanes last night.	Slang For baseball, games or any easy win.
182	Arrecho	Furious, or awesome	Mi papá está arrecho porque choqué el carro.My dad is furious because I crashed the car.	Vulgar Angry or amazing, by context, and "arrechísimo" is the strong form. It's crude, so skip it with elders and bosses.
183	Arrechera	Rage, fury	¡Qué arrechera! Se fue la luz otra vez.So infuriating! The power went out again.	Vulgar Strong anger, and crude like "arrecho". Fine among friends.
184	De pinga	Awesome, kick-ass	La fiesta estuvo de pinga, hay que repetirla.The party was awesome, we have to do it again.	Vulgar Means great, but "pinga" is a rude body word.
185	¡Coño!	Damn!	¡Coño, qué susto me diste!Damn, you scared me!	Vulgar Very common, but keep it away from grandmas and bosses.
186	¡No joda!	No way! Damn!	¡No joda, chamo, ganamos!No way, man, we won!	Vulgar Surprise, joy or anger, often written "nojoda". "Deja de joder" means "stop bugging me".
187	¡Verga! / ¡Qué verga!	Wow! Damn! (and "una verga" is a thing)	¡Verga, se fue la luz otra vez! ¿Y qué verga es esa?Damn, the power went out again! And what the hell is that?	Vulgar You hear it all over the country, and it's loudest in Zulia. Know it, but don't say it to elders.

Fillers and everyday words 21

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
188	Ya va	Hold on, wait	Ya va, ya va, déjame terminar de hablar.Hold on, hold on, let me finish talking.	Everyday It means "wait", even though it sounds like "it's going".
189	Dale	Okay, go ahead	¿Pido la cuenta? Dale.Shall I ask for the check? Okay.	Everyday Yes, sure, let's go. "Dale, pues" means "go on, then".
190	¡Sí va!	Alright, you got it!	¿Nos vemos a las cinco? ¡Sí va!See you at 5? You got it!	Casual An upbeat yes to a plan.
191	Un pelo	A tiny bit	Espérate un pelo, que ya bajo.Wait a sec, I'm coming down.	Casual A little time or a little amount.
192	Vaina	Thing, stuff, situation	Pásame esa vaina que está en la mesa.Pass me that thing on the table.	Casual Means anything, and "¡ah, vaina!" is "oh, crap!". A bit crude for formal talk.
193	Burda	Very, a lot	Esta playa está burda de bonita.This beach is really beautiful.	Slang "Burda de" plus a word means "really". As a noun it's a huge amount: "una burda de gente".
194	Full	Very; packed; stuffed	El metro va full, y después de esa arepa estoy full.The subway is packed, and after that arepa I'm stuffed.	Slang From English. It also means "very": "full buena".
195	Tal cual	Exactly, just like that	Lo dijo tal cual como te lo conté.He said it exactly the way I told you.	Casual Also a one-word "exactly!".
196	Parar bolas	Pay attention	No le pares bolas a ese tipo.Don't pay any attention to that guy.	Casual Mild and very common, even with "bolas" in it. "No me para bolas" means he ignores me.
197	Equis	Meh, whatever, so-so	La comida estuvo equis, nada especial.The food was meh, nothing special.	Slang Also a boring person: "un equis".
198	Corotos	Stuff, belongings	Recoge tus corotos que nos vamos.Grab your stuff, we're leaving.	Casual Your things, even the dishes: "lava los corotos". "¡Adiós corotos!" means "uh-oh, well, that's that".
199	Perol	Thingamajig, old piece of junk	¿Para qué sirve este perol?What's this thing for?	Casual Something you can't name, or junk.
200	Bicho	Thingy, whatchamacallit	Pásame el bicho ese para abrir la botella.Pass me that thingy to open the bottle.	Casual It works like "vaina" all over the country.
201	Un pocotón	A whole lot	Había un pocotón de gente en el concierto.There were tons of people at the concert.	Casual A big amount or a crowd.
202	Bojote	A bunch, a pile	Tengo un bojote de trabajo esta semana.I have a pile of work this week.	Casual Also a messy package.
203	Chamba	Job, work	Conseguí una chamba en un restaurante.I got a job at a restaurant.	Casual Any job, often a small one.
204	Jurungar	Rummage, snoop	Deja de jurungar mi cartera.Stop rummaging through my purse.	Casual To dig through things or pry.
205	Echarle pichón	Work hard at it	Le estamos echando pichón al negocio.We're putting a lot of work into the business.	Casual Give it your all, or "go for it".
206	Bululú	A crowd, a crush of people	¿Qué es ese bululú en la esquina?What's that crowd on the corner?	Casual A messy crowd, or a commotion.
207	Guachafita	Chaos, racket	Paren la guachafita, que los vecinos están durmiendo.Stop the racket, the neighbors are sleeping.	Casual Also "guachafa". Noise and no order.
208	Peo	Fight, problem, mess	Se armó un peo en la cola del banco.A fight broke out in the line at the bank.	Vulgar Literally a fart. "Tremendo peo" is a big problem.

Time and plans 19

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
209	Ahorita	Right now, or in a bit	Ahorita no puedo, te llamo ahorita.I can't right now, I'll call you in a bit.	Everyday Ask "¿ahorita ahorita?" to check they mean right now.
210	Un momentico	Just a moment (often longer)	Un momentico, que ya le traigo el menú.Just a moment, I'll bring you the menu.	Everyday The "-ico" makes it sweet. It can still mean a long wait.
211	La hora venezolana	Venezuelan time (running late)	La fiesta es a las ocho, pero con la hora venezolana nadie llega antes de las nueve.The party's at 8, but on Venezuelan time nobody shows up before 9.	Casual Parties and plans start late. Be on time for tours, buses and flights.
212	Jubilarse	Skip class, play hooky	Nos jubilamos del liceo para ir a la playa.We skipped school to go to the beach.	Casual It also means to retire, so context tells you which.
213	De una	Right away, let's do it	¿Vamos a la playa? ¡De una!Shall we go to the beach? Let's do it!	Casual A fast yes, or "right now".
214	Cuadrar	Set up a plan	Cuadremos para ir al cine el sábado.Let's plan to go to the movies Saturday.	Casual "¿Cuadramos?" means "shall we set it up?", and "cuadrarse con alguien" is to start dating.
215	¿Te anotas?	Are you in?	Vamos a la playa mañana, ¿te anotas?We're going to the beach tomorrow. Are you in?	Casual "Anotarse" is to join a plan.
216	Pasar buscando	Pick someone up	Te paso buscando a las ocho por el hotel.I'll pick you up at the hotel at 8.	Everyday A very Venezuelan way to say "pick up".
217	Tarde piaste, pajarito	Too late, you missed your chance	¿Ahora quieres venir? Tarde piaste, pajarito, ya salió el bus.Now you want to come? Too late, the bus already left.	Casual Literally "you chirped too late, little bird".
218	Callejear	Wander the streets with no plan	El domingo nos fuimos a callejear por el centro.On Sunday we went wandering around downtown.	Casual A lazy day out on foot. Stick to busy streets and go by day.
219	Dejar el pelero	Run off, bolt	Cuando vio a la policía dejó el pelero.When he saw the police he bolted.	Slang Leaving in a big hurry.
220	Recoger los macundales	Pack up and go	Bueno, recojo mis macundales y me voy.Okay, I'll pack up my stuff and head out.	Casual A joking way to say you're leaving. "Macundales" are your things.
221	Darle chola	Step on it, hurry up	Dale chola, chofer, que perdemos el vuelo.Step on it, driver, we're going to miss the flight.	Slang A "chola" is a flip-flop, so you floor the pedal with your foot. You'll also hear it for any rush job.
222	Embarcar	Stand someone up	Me embarcó, lo esperé una hora y nunca llegó.He stood me up. I waited an hour and he never came.	Casual "Quedar embarcado" is to be left waiting.
223	Echarse un camarón	Take a nap	Después del almuerzo me eché un camarón.After lunch I took a nap.	Slang A short siesta.
224	¡Taima!	Time out!	¡Taima! Déjame respirar un momento.Time out! Let me catch my breath.	Casual From kids' games. Adults use it as a joke.
225	Estar en tres y dos	In a tight spot, down to your last chance	Estoy en tres y dos con el pasaje: si no lo compro hoy, me quedo sin viaje.I'm in a tight spot with the ticket: if I don't buy it today, I'm not going.	Casual From baseball: 3 balls, 2 strikes, 1 pitch left.
226	Como vaya viniendo vamos viendo	We'll play it by ear	¿Qué hacemos mañana? Como vaya viniendo vamos viendo.What are we doing tomorrow? We'll play it by ear.	Casual The Venezuelan motto for plans.
227	Palo de agua	A heavy downpour	Cayó un palo de agua y se suspendió la playa.It poured, so the beach trip was off.	Everyday "Cayó un palo de agua" is how you say it poured. Pack an umbrella.

Teasing and insults 29

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
228	Mamar gallo	Tease, pull someone's leg	Deja de mamar gallo y dime la verdad.Stop messing with me and tell me the truth.	Slang The heart of Venezuelan humor.
229	Echar vaina	Bug, pester, mess with	Ese chamo vive echando vaina en clase.That kid is always messing around in class.	Casual Annoying someone, often for fun.
230	Chalequear	Make fun of	Lo chalequearon toda la noche por su acento.They made fun of his accent all night.	Slang Friendly roasting, or bullying.
231	Gafo / gafa	Dummy, airhead	No seas gafo, eso no se enchufa ahí.Don't be a dummy, that doesn't plug in there.	Casual Mild. Friends say it all the time. Someone who won't listen to reason is a "cabeza 'e tapara".
232	Bolsa	Idiot, fool	¡Qué bolsa eres! Te dejaste robar.You're such a fool! You let them rob you.	Slang Mild among friends. Don't mix it up with "bolas", a rude word for balls.
233	Quedao / quedada	Slow on the uptake	Le eché indirectas toda la noche y nada, ese chamo es quedao.I dropped hints all night and nothing, that guy is slow on the uptake.	Slang For someone who misses jokes and hints. Literally "left behind".
234	Jala mecate	Kiss-up	No seas jala mecate con la profesora.Don't be such a kiss-up with the teacher.	Casual The clean version of "jalabolas".
235	Sacar la piedra	Get on someone's nerves	Me saca la piedra que hablen en el cine.It drives me crazy when people talk in the movie theater.	Slang Strong annoyance.
236	Estás pintado en la pared	You're being ignored	Le hablas y ni te mira, estás pintado en la pared.You talk to him and he doesn't even look at you. He's ignoring you.	Casual Literally "you're painted on the wall".
237	Tate quieto	Stop it, knock it off	Tate quieto, que vas a romper algo.Quit it, you're going to break something.	Casual Sharp. Fine with kids, rude if you say it to an adult.
238	Sifrino / sifrina	Snob, preppy rich kid	Esa sifrina solo compra ropa de marca.That snob only buys designer clothes.	Slang Teasing. You'll hear it all over the country.
239	Pantallero	Poser, fake show-off	Ese pantallero alquiló el carro para la foto.That poser rented the car for the photo.	Slang "Echar pantalla" is to show off. A big talker is an "aguajero": "eso es puro aguaje".
240	Chulear	Take advantage of someone; mimic them to mock	No te dejes chulear por ese vendedor.Don't let that vendor take advantage of you.	Slang Living off others. It can also mean to copy someone's words to tease them.
241	Coba	Lie, tall tale	No me eches coba, yo sé que no fuiste.Don't feed me a lie, I know you didn't go.	Casual "Cobero" is a liar.
242	Curucutear	Snoop, rummage through things	Deja de curucutear en mi cuarto.Stop snooping around in my room.	Casual Poking through your things or other people's.
243	Muérgano	Rascal, scoundrel	Ese carajito es un muérgano, se comió todo el dulce.That kid is a little rascal, he ate all the candy.	Casual Light for kids, strong for adults.
244	Guircho	Rude, ill-mannered	No seas guircho y saluda a la gente.Don't be rude, say hi to people.	Regional Mostly in the west. People say it comes from English "wild child".
245	Echón / echona	Show-off, braggart	Ese echón no para de hablar de su carro nuevo.That show-off won't stop talking about his new car.	Slang Someone vain who brags about all they have.
246	Bagre	Ugly person	Ese tipo es un bagre, pero muy simpático.That guy is ugly, but really nice.	Slang Rude if the person hears you. Also a fish.
247	Pendejo / pendeja	Fool, idiot	Ese pendejo se creyó el cuento.That idiot fell for the story.	Vulgar Ruder than "gafo". Don't say it to a stranger.
248	Mamagüevo	Idiot, jerk (very rude)	Ese mamagüevo se me metió en la cola.That jerk cut in front of me in line.	Vulgar One of the rudest insults here. Know it, but don't say it.
249	Coño 'e madre	Bastard, son of a bitch (very rude)	¡Coño 'e madre, me rayaste el carro!You bastard, you scratched my car!	Vulgar The most common strong insult, and also a shout of pure rage. Know it, but don't say it.
250	Pajúo / pajúa	Gossip, liar, dummy	No le creas, ese pajúo inventa todo.Don't believe him, that liar makes everything up.	Vulgar A rude put-down for a gossip, a liar or a fool.
251	Huevón / güevón	Idiot, fool; a lazy slacker	No seas güevón, ese taxista te está cobrando el doble.Don't be an idiot, that taxi driver is charging you double.	Vulgar Ruder than "gafo". Friends say it to tease, but from a stranger it's an insult.
252	Marico / marica	Dude (among friends); a gay slur	Marico, ¿viste lo que pasó?Dude, did you see what happened?	Vulgar Young people use it as "dude", but it's still a slur. Don't use it.
253	Jalabolas	Suck-up, brown-noser	Ese jalabolas le lleva café al jefe todos los días.That suck-up brings the boss coffee every day.	Vulgar Common, but rude.
254	Niche	Tacky, trashy	Esa decoración está demasiado niche.That decoration is way too tacky.	Slang A classist put-down. Know it, avoid it.
255	Tierrúo	Crude, low-class	Lo llamó tierrúo por gritar en el restaurante.She called him low-class for shouting in the restaurant.	Vulgar Classist, and harsher than "niche". You'll hear it, but don't say it.
256	Mojón	Lie; a liar	Eso que te dijo es puro mojón.What he told you is a total lie.	Vulgar Literally a turd. "Mojonero" is a liar.

Love and flirting 24

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
257	Echar los perros	Flirt, hit on	Ese chamo te está echando los perros desde que llegaste.That guy has been hitting on you since you got here.	Slang The main word for flirting. Fine among friends, but pushy if a stranger keeps it up.
258	¿Echamos un pie?	Shall we dance?	Esa salsa está buena. ¿Echamos un pie?This salsa song is great. Shall we dance?	Casual The easy way to ask someone to dance. "Echar un pie" is to dance, any style.
259	Estás burda de bella	You look so beautiful	Esta noche estás burda de bella.You look so beautiful tonight.	Casual A sweet line for a date or a partner. To a man, say "estás burda de guapo".
260	Jeva / jevo	Girlfriend, boyfriend; a girl or guy	Voy a llevar a mi jeva a la playa. ¿Y tu jevo no viene?I'm taking my girlfriend to the beach. Isn't your boyfriend coming?	Slang The most common word for a partner. Some women don't like being called "jeva".
261	Estar empepado / empepada	Be smitten, head over heels	Mi prima está empepada con el chamo que conoció en la playa.My cousin is head over heels for the guy she met at the beach.	Casual "Estar tragado" means the same and is just as common.
262	Lanzarse al agua	Get married, tie the knot	Después de 10 años de novios, por fin se lanzaron al agua.After 10 years together, they finally tied the knot.	Casual Literally "jump into the water".
263	¿Te provoca salir?	Want to go out (with me)?	¿Te provoca salir el viernes? Pásame tu número y cuadramos.Want to go out Friday? Give me your number and we'll set it up.	Casual "Provocar" means to feel like. It's the easy way to ask for a date and a number.
264	Mami / papi	Babe, honey	¡Mami, qué bella estás hoy! Papi, ¿me buscas en el trabajo?Babe, you look beautiful today! Honey, can you pick me up from work?	Casual Sweet from a partner. From strangers on the street, "mami" or "mamita" is a catcall.
265	No te pegues que no es bolero	Back off, don't get so close	Epa, no te pegues que no es bolero.Hey, back off, this isn't a slow dance.	Casual A playful way to set a limit.
266	Pelar el diente	Flash a flirty smile	Ella le pela el diente a todo el que pasa.She flashes a smile at everyone who walks by.	Casual Smiling to charm someone.
267	Hacer ojitos	Make eyes at someone	Te está haciendo ojitos desde la barra.She's making eyes at you from the bar.	Casual Flirting with a look.
268	Labia	Smooth talk, the gift of gab	Con esa labia conquista a cualquiera.With that smooth talk he can win anyone over.	Everyday Charm with words.
269	Calentar la oreja	Sweet-talk	Le estuvo calentando la oreja toda la noche.He was sweet-talking her all night.	Casual Flattering someone to win them over.
270	Levantar	Pick someone up, hook up	Anoche levantó en la discoteca.Last night he picked someone up at the club.	Slang To win someone over for a date or more. A fling is "un levante".
271	Empatarse	Hook up, get together	Se empataron en el viaje a Margarita.They got together on the trip to Margarita.	Slang "Estar empatado" is to be taken.
272	Rebotar	Get turned down	Le pedí el número y me rebotó.I asked for her number and she turned me down.	Slang You can also get "rebotado" at a club door.
273	Hacer la segunda	Be a wingman, help out	Hazme la segunda con tu hermana, que me gusta.Put in a good word with your sister, I like her.	Slang Back someone up, often with a crush.
274	Mango	Hot guy	Tu primo es un mango, preséntamelo.Your cousin is a hottie, introduce me.	Slang An attractive man.
275	Cuaima	Jealous, controlling girlfriend or wife	Su novia es una cuaima, le revisa el teléfono.His girlfriend is the jealous type, she checks his phone.	Slang Named after a deadly snake. Often a joke.
276	Montar cachos	Cheat on someone	Le montó cachos con su mejor amigo.She cheated on him with his best friend.	Slang "Cachos" are horns.
277	Cortar	Dump someone, break up	Me cortó después de tres años.She dumped me after 3 years.	Casual "Cortarle las patas" is the long form, and "me botó" works too.
278	Despechado	Heartbroken	Está despechado y solo oye música de despecho.He's heartbroken and only listens to breakup songs.	Casual "Música de despecho" is a whole genre.
279	Arrejuntarse	Move in together (unmarried)	Se arrejuntaron después de seis meses.They moved in together after 6 months.	Casual Living together without the wedding.
280	Mi peor es nada	My other half	Te presento a mi peor es nada.Meet my other half.	Casual A joking, loving name for your partner.

Sayings and expressions 20

#	Phrase	Meaning	Example	When to use
281	¡Sí, Luis!	Yeah, right! Sure, buddy!	¿Que vas a dejar de comer arepa? ¡Sí, Luis!You're going to stop eating arepas? Yeah, right!	Slang Pure sarcasm. Shows you don't believe it.
282	¿Vas a seguir, Abigail?	Are you going to keep at it? (Enough already!)	Otra vez la alarma del carro, ¿vas a seguir, Abigail?The car alarm again? Enough already!	Casual For anything or anyone that keeps annoying you.
283	Poner la torta	Mess up badly	Le conté la sorpresa a mi mamá y puse la torta.I told my mom about the surprise and blew it.	Casual A big mistake that ruins the plan.
284	Cantar la zona	Give someone the signal, tell them when to act	Cuando el jefe esté de buen humor, cántame la zona y le pido el día.When the boss is in a good mood, give me the signal and I'll ask for the day off.	Slang You tip a friend off that the moment is right.
285	A llorar pa'l valle	Tough luck, I told you so	Te dije que no compraras ese carro. Ahora, a llorar pa'l valle.I told you not to buy that car. Now, tough luck.	Casual No sympathy for someone who ignored your advice.
286	Hasta los tequeteques	Fed up, totally stuffed	Estoy hasta los tequeteques de esta cola.I'm completely fed up with this line.	Casual Had enough of something, or food.
287	Voltearse la arepa	The tables turn, things flip	Íbamos ganando, pero en la novena se nos volteó la arepa.We were winning, but in the 9th inning the tables turned.	Casual Also "darle la vuelta a la arepa". It's about a game or plan going the other way.
288	Mucha bomba y poco chicle	All talk, no action	Ese político es mucha bomba y poco chicle.That politician is all talk and no action.	Casual Big promises, small results. You'll also hear it flipped: "mucho chicle pero poca bomba".
289	Más agarrao que vieja en moto	Super stingy (or holding on tight)	Ese tipo es más agarrao que vieja en moto.That guy is tighter than a granny on a motorbike.	Casual A classic joke about cheap people.
290	Chivo que se devuelve se esnuca	Don't back out halfway	Ya pagamos el viaje, chivo que se devuelve se esnuca.We already paid for the trip. No turning back now.	Casual Once you start, you finish.
291	Cachicamo diciéndole a morrocoy conchudo	The pot calling the kettle black	¿Tú diciéndome flojo? Cachicamo diciéndole a morrocoy conchudo.You're calling me lazy? Pot, meet kettle.	Casual An armadillo calling a tortoise thick-shelled.
292	A ponerse las alpargatas que lo que viene es joropo	Get ready, the hard part is coming	Mañana empieza la temporada alta. A ponerse las alpargatas que lo que viene es joropo.High season starts tomorrow. Get ready, the hard part is coming.	Casual From the joropo, the national dance. You put on your sandals before the dancing starts.
293	Chinazo	An accidental double meaning	Nadie captó el chinazo hasta que él se puso rojo.Nobody caught the double meaning until he turned red.	Slang An innocent line that sounds rude. Friends love to catch one.
294	Pata en el suelo	Poor, humble, working-class	Yo soy pata en el suelo, no necesito lujos.I'm a simple guy, I don't need luxuries.	Casual Can be proud or mean, by context.
295	Arroz con mango	A total mess, a mix-up	Esa relación es un arroz con mango, ya nadie entiende nada.That relationship is a total mess, nobody gets it anymore.	Casual Literally "rice with mango". Often about love lives or plans gone wrong.
296	Cuando el pobre lava, llueve	Just my luck	Llegué a la playa y se nubló. Cuando el pobre lava, llueve.I got to the beach and it clouded over. Just my luck.	Casual Literally "when the poor man does laundry, it rains". For bad luck that always hits you.
297	Agarrando aunque sea fallo	Take what you can get	No me dieron el aumento, pero un bono. Agarrando aunque sea fallo.They didn't give me a raise, but they gave me a bonus. Better than nothing.	Casual Better something than nothing.
298	Rolo 'e vivo	Super sharp, sly	Ese vendedor es un rolo 'e vivo, no te dejes engañar.That vendor is super sly, don't get fooled.	Slang Someone too clever, often in a sneaky way.
299	A cada cochino le llega su sábado	Everyone gets what's coming to them	Ese estafador cayó preso. A cada cochino le llega su sábado.That con man ended up in jail. Everyone gets what's coming to them.	Casual Literally "every pig gets its Saturday". Said when a bad person finally pays.
300	No gastes pólvora en zamuro	Don't waste your effort on it	No discutas con ese taxista, no gastes pólvora en zamuro.Don't argue with that taxi driver, it's not worth your effort.	Casual A "zamuro" is a vulture, not worth the gunpowder.

Around Venezuela 35

Venezuelan slang shifts a lot by region, and Caracas, Maracaibo, Lara, the Andes, the Llanos and the east each have their own words.

Caracas

You hear these in Caracas, the capital in a valley under the Ávila, where you'll most likely land.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Monte y culebra	The sticks, anywhere outside Caracas	Caracas es Caracas, y lo demás es monte y culebra.Caracas is Caracas, and the rest is the sticks.
Raspao	Shaved ice with syrup (Maracaibo says "cepillao")	Un raspao de frambuesa, por favor.A raspberry shaved ice, please.
Cepillao o raspao	Caracas says "raspao", Zulia says "cepillao" for the same ice	En Zulia no me pidas un raspao, pídeme un cepillao.In Zulia, don't ask me for a raspao, ask for a cepillao.
Yip / yises	Jeep used as a bus up to the hillside barrios	Para subir al barrio hay que agarrar un yip.To get up to the barrio you have to take a jeep.
Tuki	Fan of changa, the Caracas barrio party music (a put-down)	En la matiné había puros tukis bailando changa.The afternoon party was full of changa fans dancing.

Maracaibo and Zulia

You hear these in Maracaibo, the hot oil city on Lake Maracaibo, where maracuchos say "vos" and talk loud and proud.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
¡Vergación!	Wow! Damn! (the maracucho shout)	¡Vergación, qué calor hace en esta ciudad!Damn, it's so hot in this city!
Vos	You (to a close friend)	¿Y vos qué queréis comer?And what do you want to eat?
¡Qué molleja!	Wow! (good or bad surprise)	¡Qué molleja de casa la que te compraste!What an amazing house you bought!
Mollejúo	Huge, enormous	Ese puente sobre el lago es mollejúo.That bridge over the lake is huge.
Mandoca	Fried corn ring with cheese and cane sugar	Una mandoca y un café, por favor.A corn ring and a coffee, please.
Tumbarrancho	Battered, fried arepa stuffed with mortadella and cheese	Después de la gaita nos comimos un tumbarrancho.After the gaita show we ate a fried stuffed arepa.

Barquisimeto and Lara

You hear these in Barquisimeto, the music city in the dry center-west, and in nearby Carora, where people say "¡na' guará!" all day.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Guaro / guara	Person from Barquisimeto	Los guaros son gente muy cariñosa.People from Barquisimeto are very warm.
¡Ah malaya!	I wish! If only!	¡Ah malaya, una cervecita bien fría con este calor!If only I had an ice-cold beer in this heat!
Mangüerear	Waste time, goof off	Deja de mangüerear y ayúdame.Stop wasting time and help me.
¡Pa' cojete!	You won't fool me!	¿Que eso es oro? ¡Pa' cojete!That's gold? You won't fool me!
¡Ah diablo!	Wow! (Carora style)	¡Ah diablo, qué calor!Wow, it's so hot!
Un rapidito	Shared taxi (Lara's "por puesto")	Agarra un rapidito hasta la plaza.Take a shared taxi to the square.
¡Ayú!	Oops! You got it wrong (Carora style)	¡Ayú, ese no era el autobús!Oops, that wasn't the bus!

The Andes

You hear these in Mérida, Táchira and Trujillo, the cool mountain states, where gochos say "usted" to almost everyone.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Usted	You, said even to kids and close friends	Mijo, ¿usted ya comió?Son, have you eaten yet?
Julano / julana	So-and-so (the Andean "fulano")	Vino julano a preguntar por usted.So-and-so came by asking for you.
Toche	Silly, a fool	No sea toche y abríguese.Don't be silly, wrap up.
Chino / china	Kid, young person	Ese chino no se quiere poner el suéter.That kid doesn't want to put on his sweater.
Pisca andina	The Andean breakfast soup	Para el frío, una pisca andina con arepa de trigo.For the cold, an Andean breakfast soup with a wheat arepa.

The east and Margarita

You hear these from Cumaná and Barcelona out to Margarita Island, the beach towns on the Caribbean coast.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
¡Muchacho!	Wow! Man!	¡Muchacho, qué playa tan bonita!Wow, what a beautiful beach!
¡Madre!	Wow! Or: how dare they!	¡Madre, qué ola tan grande!Wow, what a huge wave!
Compái / comái	Buddy, pal (from compadre, comadre)	¿Vamos a pescar mañana, compái?Shall we go fishing tomorrow, pal?
¡Ay, Virgen del Valle!	Oh my God!	¡Ay, Virgen del Valle, qué susto!Oh my God, what a scare!
Encantado	Spaced out, dim	Ese muchacho anda encantado, no oye nada.That boy is spaced out, he doesn't hear a thing.
Hijo 'er diablo	Little devil (a naughty kid)	Ese hijo 'er diablo se comió las empanadas.That little devil ate the empanadas.
Empanada de cazón	Empanada filled with baby shark, the island classic	En la playa nos comimos unas empanadas de cazón.We ate baby shark empanadas at the beach.

The Llanos

You hear these on the plains of Apure, Barinas and Guárico, cowboy country, where llaneros take their time and bring God into every chat.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Camarita	Pal, comrade (affectionate)	Ven acá, camarita, ayúdame con el ganado.Come here, pal, help me with the cattle.
Guate	Rural person, country bumpkin	Ese guate nunca ha salido del hato.That country guy has never left the ranch.
Pompo	Rough, clumsy	Ese potro está pompo todavía.That colt is still rough.
Cachilapero	Cattle thief who changes the brands	Cuidado con el cachilapero, que anda rondando el hato.Watch out for the cattle thief hanging around the ranch.
Ji, jeñol	Yes, sir (llanero accent)	¿Vaj a arriar el ganao? Ji, jeñol.Are you going to herd the cattle? Yes, sir.

Don't mix these up

Word	In Venezuela	Elsewhere
Arrecho	Furious, or amazing	Colombia and Central America: horny. Say "bravo" or "molesto" when you're unsure.
Coger	A vulgar word for sex, as in much of Latin America	Spain: to take or catch. Say "agarrar el bus" or "tomar un taxi" here to be safe.
Guayabo	Sadness when you miss someone, heartbreak	Colombia: a hangover. In Venezuela a hangover is "ratón".
Chimbo	Lousy, bad quality, fake	Colombia: "chimba" means great, but it's also a vulgar word, and "chimbo" can be rude.
Mono	A tracksuit or sweatpants: "un mono deportivo"	Colombia: a blond person. Spain: cute.
Tirar	A vulgar word for sex	Spain and most countries: to throw.
Palo	A drink: "nos echamos unos palos"	Mexico: "echar un palo" is sex. Here, say "tomarnos unos tragos" if you're unsure.
Salado	Unlucky: "¡Qué salado eres!"	Argentina and Chile: expensive. About a price in Venezuela, say "¡Qué caro!".
Perico	Scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, or slang for cocaine	Colombia: a small coffee with milk. Spain: also slang for cocaine. "Huevos pericos" on a menu is breakfast.
Cola	A ride ("dar la cola"), or a line of people	Spain: only a line. Parts of Latin America: your backside.
Pendejo	An idiot (vulgar)	Argentina: a kid or a teenager.
Pitillo	A drinking straw	Spain: a cigarette.
Bicho	A thingy, a whatchamacallit	Puerto Rico: a rude word for penis. Spain and Mexico: a bug.
Provocar	To feel like having something: "¿Qué le provoca?"	Spain and most countries: to provoke.
Bravo	Angry: "Mi mamá está brava"	Spain: brave, or fierce for an animal.
Concha	The peel of a fruit or the shell of an egg	Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay: a vulgar word for a woman's private parts.
Torta	A cake	Mexico: a sandwich in a bread roll.
Pana	A friend	Spain: corduroy fabric. Chile: a car breakdown.
Pava	Bad luck: "¡Qué pava!"	Argentina: a kettle for mate.
Ahorita	Right now, or in a bit	Mexico: later, maybe never.
Barrio	A poor neighborhood on the hills	Spain and Mexico: any neighborhood. Say "urbanización" for a regular area.
Coño	A strong swear word: "¡coño!"	Spain: a common, fairly mild "damn". In Venezuela it lands harder, so keep it for friends.
Carro	A car	Spain: a cart. Say "coche" there and "carro" here.
Franela	A T-shirt: "Ponte una franela, que hace calor"	Spain and Mexico: flannel cloth, or a rag for dusting.
Bomba	A gas station, or a water balloon	Spain and Mexico: a bomb or a pump. "¿Dónde hay una bomba?" just means you need gas.
Bulto	A backpack: "Mete el agua en el bulto"	Guatemala and most countries: a bundle, a lump or a package.

Questions people ask

What is Venezuelan slang?

It's the everyday Spanish of Venezuela, full of words like "chamo", "pana", "vaina" and "chévere". It's fast and jokey, and it changes from Caracas to Maracaibo to the Andes.

What are the most common Venezuelan slang words?

"Chévere" (cool), "pana" (friend), "chamo" (dude), "vaina" (thing), "burda" (very) and "ya va" (wait) top the list. You'll hear "¡epa!" and "¿qué más?" as hellos all day.

What are common Venezuelan phrases?

"¿Qué más?" is the hello, "ya va" means "hold on" and "¡de bolas!" means "of course!". "Me abro" means "I'm out", and "¿tiene punto?" asks if a shop takes cards.

How is Venezuelan Spanish different?

People drop the "s", soften the "j" and say "pang" for "pan". Friends use "tú", strangers get "usted", and "you all" is always "ustedes".

What does "chamo" mean?

"Chamo" or "chama" means a young guy or girl, and friends use it like "dude". "¡Epa, chamo!" is the classic hello.

What does "verga" mean in Venezuela?

"Verga" is a vulgar word for penis, but people all over the country shout "¡verga!" for any surprise, like "wow!". "Una verga" is any thing and "¡ni de verga!" means "no way!", so keep it for close friends.

What does "mamagüevo" mean?

"Mamagüevo" is a very rude word for an idiot or a jerk. You'll hear it in fights and traffic, but don't say it yourself.

What is Venezuelan slang for "cool"?

"Chévere" is the safe one, and "fino" is just as common. Young people also say "¡Qué nota!", "burda de bueno" and the rude "de pinga".

How do Venezuelans say "bro" or "friend"?

"Pana" is the main word for friend, and "chamo" is "dude" or "bro". You'll also hear "panita", "mano" and "bróder".

What does "coño" mean in Venezuela?

"¡Coño!" is a strong "damn!" for surprise, pain or anger, and you'll hear it all day. It's vulgar, so keep it away from elders and bosses, and say "¡cónchale!" instead.

Is "marico" offensive in Venezuela?

Young friends use "marico" like "dude", but it's still a slur for gay men. As a visitor, don't say it.

What does "mamar gallo" mean?

"Mamar gallo" means to tease someone or pull their leg. If a friend says "te estoy mamando gallo", they're only joking.

How do you pay and ask prices in Venezuela?

Ask "¿Cuánto sale?" for the price, "¿Me hace una rebajita?" to bargain and "¿A qué tasa?" when a dollar price is paid in bolívares. Ask "¿Tiene punto?" to pay by card, and bring clean dollar bills, since many shops refuse torn ones.

What does "vaina" mean in Venezuela?

"Vaina" means thing, stuff or situation, and it can stand in for almost any noun. "¡Ah, vaina!" means "oh, crap!", and "echar vaina" means to mess with someone.

What does "arrecho" mean in Venezuela?

"Arrecho" usually means furious, and among friends it can also mean awesome. Be careful in Colombia, where it means horny.

What does "chévere" mean?

"Chévere" means cool or great, and it's safe with anyone. "¡Qué chévere conocerte!" means "great to meet you".

What are common Venezuelan slang insults?

"Gafo" (dummy), "bolsa" (fool) and "pichirre" (cheap) are mild teasing. "Pendejo", "coño 'e madre" and "mamagüevo" are rude, so skip them.

What does "pana" mean?

"Pana" means friend or buddy, and it's safe with anyone. "Es muy pana" means someone is nice.

What does "na' guará" mean?

"¡Na' guará!" means "wow!" or "no way!". It's the trademark shout of Lara and Barquisimeto.

What is Venezuelan slang for money?

"Bolos" are bolívares, and "verdes" are dollars. "Real" and "churupos" mean money in general.

What is Venezuelan slang for drunk?

"Rascado" and "prendido" both mean drunk. "Agarrar una pea" is to get very drunk, and the hangover is "ratón".

What is Venezuelan slang for girl or girlfriend?

"Chama" means a girl or young woman, and a blonde woman is a "catira". "Jeva" means girl or girlfriend, and "jevo" is the boyfriend.

How do you say "beautiful" in Venezuelan slang?

Say "estás burda de bella" to a woman and "burda de guapo" to a man. "Es un mango" means a man is hot, and "¡mamita!" is only for your partner.

What are some Venezuelan flirting phrases?

"Echar los perros" means to hit on someone, and "hacer ojitos" is to make eyes at them. "Labia" is smooth talk, and "cuadrarse" or "empatarse" is getting together.

What's the best way to learn Venezuelan words and phrases?

Start with the ones you'll use daily: "chévere", "pana", "chamo", "vaina", "dale", "ya va" and "¿tiene punto?". Then pick 5 new phrases a day and use each one out loud with a waiter, a driver or a shopkeeper.

Slang in other countries

See all 20 countries on a map

Sources

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