Words and definitions Causa Limeña has contributed to the street dictionary.
A common Peruvian slang term for a fart. It is used in casual conversation but is generally viewed as crude or vulgar.
Open the window right now because the dog let out a CUESCO and the room already stinks.
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A vulgar and crude term used in informal Peruvian Spanish to refer to the penis. It is typically used among close friends in blunt or coarse contexts (the word literally means mushroom, which is the origin of the slang).
The striker took a direct hit from the ball to the callampa and had to leave the field rolling in pain.
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A highly offensive and derogatory slur used to call someone stupid, slow, or brainless. It is a harsh insult that attacks a person's intelligence (originally derived from an ableist term for Down Syndrome).
Be for real, don't be a mongolo and stop saying stupid things in front of everyone.
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A traditional tavern or informal establishment where chicha de jora is brewed and sold. It serves as a popular social hub, usually rustic, and is common in rural areas and older urban neighborhoods. (Chicha de jora is a fermented corn beer that has been a staple in the Andes since the Inca Empire).
After the pickup soccer game, we went to the Chichero on the corner to quench our thirst with a pitcher of ice-cold jora.
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Used in games or physical activities to request a temporary pause or a breather. It functions like a timeout, shouted when someone needs to stop the action to rest or handle a minor issue (common in traditional street games).
Hey, chepa! Wait for me a second, my sneakers came untied.
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In Peruvian slang, this refers to someone clumsy, dim-witted, or lacking finesse. It defines a person who makes obvious mistakes by acting with brute force or without thinking about the consequences (literally horse, implying a lack of grace).
You are such a Caballo, you just knocked all the paint onto the floor because you weren't looking where you were going!
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A die-hard fan of chicha music, a popular Peruvian genre that blends Andean folk melodies with tropical rhythms and cumbia. (Chicha music is a cultural symbol of the working-class Andean migrants who moved to Peru's coastal cities).
My cousin goes crazy when he hears Chacalón because he has been a total chichero since he was a little kid.
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A common Peruvian slang term for cocaine. It is used in street and recreational circles to refer to the drug due to its white color, comparing it to bleach.
That guy spent all his cash buying Cloro for the party on Saturday.
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Used to refer to the buttocks or the rear end. It is a common, informal term for a person's backside.
Hey, clean your fundillo well because you sat on the dirty grass!
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A short version of the term huevón used in Peruvian slang to call a close friend or refer to some guy. It is a highly versatile word that, depending on the context, can indicate friendship, like dude or man, or label someone as clumsy or an idiot.
Hey weon, hurry up, the bus is passing by and it is going to leave us! (In Peru, a micro is a public transport minibus).
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A slang term used to describe someone who is dim-witted, dense, or slow on the uptake. It is very common among Peruvian students to refer to a classmate who cannot grasp the subject matter no matter how much it is explained to them.
My cousin is really corcho when it comes to physics, even with a private tutor he cannot manage to pass the exam.
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To bag something, specifically putting items into a plastic bag. This is a common colloquialism in Peru used when shopping at local markets or corner shops (derived from chuspa, a regional word for a bag or sack).
My friend, could you ENCHUSPAR the apples in a separate bag so they do not get crushed?
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Refers to a person who habitually crashes parties or gatherings to eat and drink for free without being invited or contributing money. They are a typical moocher who looks to enjoy the celebration at everyone else's expense, making a habit out of not paying. (Jarana is a Peruvian term for a lively party or celebration).
We had agreed that the barbecue required a contribution, so do not let in that camaron who always shows up empty-handed.
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Refers to a person who acts with total nerve and feels no shame for their bad behavior. It describes a shameless individual who takes advantage of the goodwill of others without remorse.
What a Fresco that neighbor turned out to be! He borrowed tools from me a month ago and now he tells me he never had them.
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A vulgar slang term for the vulva or female genitals. (The word literally refers to a bird's gizzard).
That dress is way too short, be careful when you sit down or you will show your whole molleja.
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In Peru, a heavy cylindrical steel tank used to store cooking gas in homes. It refers to the portable cylinder that delivery workers bring to your house when your fuel runs out (most Peruvian households use these tanks instead of piped utility gas).
It is a good thing we had a spare balon in the patio, because the gas ran out right when I was boiling water for the noodles.
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A woman of Andean or mixed-race descent. In everyday speech, it is often used as a pejorative to discriminate against someone based on their social or ethnic background (In Peru, the term is heavily linked to social hierarchy and is frequently used as a slur against those perceived to be from rural or indigenous backgrounds).
That lady is very classist and always calls everyone chola in a derogatory way.
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A wild tree that grows in the arid zones and coastal valleys of Peru, characterized by its thorny branches and pods. It is the common name used in various regions of the country for the Acacia macrantha species.
We had to walk carefully through the brush to avoid getting stuck by the thorns of the guarangos.
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Used when someone confronts another person directly to put a stop to disrespect or annoying behavior. It involves setting someone straight or telling them off with authority to make it clear that their nonsense will no longer be tolerated.
If that guy keeps making up gossip about my family, I am going to have to find him and give him a good Parche.
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A Peruvian vulgarism used in the singular to reject a request or express disbelief toward a lie, similar to saying 'no way' or 'my ass'. In the plural, it describes doing something in vain or for absolutely nothing (the term is a vulgar derivative of the word for testicles).
You worked your ass off for the güevas trying to fix that radio because it is beyond repair.
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Used to describe a situation that is extremely difficult, screwed up, or in a critical state. It is also used for a person who is very demanding, has a difficult temperament, or is a real pain to deal with.
The situation at the company is really jodida, it looks like they are going to fire several people this week.
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Refers to a person who is extremely sharp, street-smart, and full of wit. It describes someone with high mental agility who is almost impossible to trick or catch off guard.
Be careful negotiating with that guy because he is a RATA and he already knows all the tricks of the trade.
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Used to describe a nosy person or a busybody who does not respect others' privacy. It refers to someone who meddles in other people's business or conversations just because they love to gossip.
Don't be such a lambón and stop listening to my phone call, this has nothing to do with you.
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Used to describe someone who lacks sharpness, is naive, or isn't street-smart. It also refers to situations or ideas that are nonsensical or defy common sense.
That guy is really tonto, he totally fell for the story that they were going to double his salary in a week.
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A popular term used to describe a short woman with a thick or stocky build. It is inspired by the wide shape of the porongo, which is the clay jug used to ferment chicha (a traditional corn-based alcoholic drink in the Andes).
That neighbor is really Poronga, short and stocky like her mother.
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Used to refer to large sums of money, specifically one million units, whether in soles (the currency of Peru) or dollars. It is a standard way to shorten large figures when discussing business, debts, or major expenses.
In the end the company had to pay ten palos in fines for not having all their municipal permits in order.
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A very strong and rancid smell coming from the armpits, usually caused by poor hygiene or sweating too much in the sun. It is that characteristic pit stink that makes anyone nearby uncomfortable.
That is too much, that guy has such a strong grajo you can smell it from across the street!
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A vulgar slang term for a young, attractive woman who is a romantic or sexual interest. It is often used in informal settings to refer to a casual date or a girl someone is currently seeing.
Hey, I heard you are seeing a new culito from work.
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