Words and definitions Cholo Chévere has contributed to the street dictionary.
A slang term used in Peru to refer to a person's face or facial features. It is typically used in informal situations to describe someone's look or countenance.
Poor kid, he fell off his bike and scraped his whole caramelo against the pavement.
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One of the most intense and common insults in Peru, this phrase crudely refers to the genitals of a person's mother. It is typically used during moments of extreme anger or confrontation to verbally attack someone. (The word concha literally means shell, but in this context, it is a vulgar term for the vulva.)
I am fed up with your lies, la concha tu madre, I do not want to see you ever again!
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A highly offensive slur used to insult someone by suggesting they lack intelligence or are acting clumsy, based on a derogatory reference to people with Down syndrome.
Hey, stop acting like a mongolo and pay attention to what I am explaining to you.
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A colloquial and direct slang term for an act of intercourse. It is frequently used to refer to a single sexual encounter or hookup.
After so much time without seeing each other, they ended up having a good Polvo in the first hotel they found downtown.
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A term used by Peruvian children to call for a timeout or declare surrender during a game. It allows a player to immediately stop the action if they need a breather or want to quit.
Hey, chepa!, no pushing allowed, I am not playing anymore.
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A slang term for a man who is completely whipped or under his partner's thumb, lacking any personal will. He acts submissively or foolishly because he allows his woman to dominate him entirely.
Do not even bother inviting him to the pre-game because that guy is totally amemao and won't even go out if his girlfriend does not give him permission.
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Used to describe the strong, stinking smell of alcohol on someone's breath, especially the morning after heavy drinking. It refers to that heavy hangover breath that is very noticeable when a person talks.
Don't get so close to me, you have a TURRO that can be smelled from the corner, you'd better go have some coffee.
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A derogatory term used in Peru for transvestites, particularly those working as street sex workers. The word is a mocking reference to the physical transformation they undergo using feminine clothing and heavy makeup. (Avenida Arequipa is a major thoroughfare in Lima known for street sex work in certain sections).
Be careful if you go through that part of Arequipa Avenue, because at this hour you can already see several transformers on the corners.
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A vulgar and aggressive slang term widely used in Peru to refer to having sex. While crude, it is common in informal contexts to describe intercourse, whether vaginal or anal.
That couple went to culear at the hotel around the corner from the club as soon as the party ended.
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A t-shirt or basic short-sleeved cotton shirt worn in informal settings. This is the standard Peruvian term for what is known as a camiseta or playera in other Spanish-speaking regions.
Put on a clean polo to go out for lunch, that one is already all sweaty from the heat.
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Peruvian slang used to refer to a woman's boyfriend, partner, or suitor. It is a common and direct way to refer to a romantic partner in informal conversations.
Last week I saw Lucia at the movies getting all lovey-dovey with her machete.
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A derogatory Peruvian slang term for a rapist or sexual abuser. It carries a heavy social stigma and is commonly used in street and prison contexts (the word is a play on violador, the Spanish word for rapist).
That guy got what he deserved in jail for being a Violin.
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A wooden frame or litter carried on the shoulders to transport religious statues during traditional processions. It also refers to any manual platform or stretcher used by several people to move heavy objects. (In Peru, these are iconic symbols of religious devotion, most notably used in the massive Lord of Miracles procession).
The faithful gathered early to carry the anda of the town patron during the main procession.
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To park a vehicle or simply stay put in a specific spot for a while. It also applies when someone settles in a place to wait or hang out without moving.
If you are going to parquear on that corner, watch out because the municipal security patrol (the serenazgo is the local municipal force in Peru) always passes by there asking for ID.
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To snort cocaine, specifically to counteract drunkenness and stay awake to keep partying. (In Peru, the term literally means to patch, suggesting a quick fix to one's state of intoxication).
Hey, your eyes are closing from the drinks, we better go parchar so you sober up a bit.
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The act of slapping or flicking someone's ear against the side of their head to produce a sharp, popping sound (a common prank in the Cusco region of Peru, typically among students or friends).
Watch out for that kid because he loves giving callampas to everyone when you are not looking.
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Used to describe a person who lacks personality, is boring, or remains static without joining the fun. It also refers to any situation that is tedious and completely lacks excitement.
Your cousin is such a PLANTA, he spent the whole party sitting in the corner without talking to anyone.
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Used to refer to excrement or as a very vulgar way to describe any object or situation of terrible quality. It is a common term to express that something is useless or a total disappointment.
That restaurant they opened on the corner is a mierda, the food arrived cold and on top of that they charged me a fortune.
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Small change consisting of low-value coins, usually cents, given as change. It is the kind of loose change that barely adds up to anything but weighs down your pocket. (In Peru, this refers to coins of 10 or 20 centimos).
I went into the corner store for a soda and the guy gave me the change in nothing but ten-cent ripio.
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The most common way to refer to Venezuelan nationals living in Peru, regardless of their age (the term is derived from the word Venezuelans themselves use for kids or friends). In the regional slang of Arequipa, it also refers to small wraps or packets containing a dose of cocaine.
I went to the hair salon yesterday and a chamo who was really nice cut my hair.
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Used to describe someone who is extremely horny or desperate for sexual intimacy. It is a common way to say a person is very turned on or physically frustrated.
That dude is really arrecho because he has not hooked up with anyone in months, he does not even know what to do anymore. (Pata is a common Peruvian slang term for guy).
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Used to describe a person who is stupid, distracted, or lacks mental sharpness. It is a common insult for someone who makes mistakes due to carelessness or a lack of street-smarts.
Hey, baboso, watch where you are walking, you almost fell in the hole!
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