A derogatory term used for a woman with Andean features or who comes from the highlands. Although it technically refers to someone of mixed indigenous and mestizo heritage, its modern use is heavily charged with racial and social prejudice (in Peru, the sierra or highlands are often culturally linked to indigenous identity and are frequently the target of discrimination).
It is unbelievable that there are still people who use the word chola as an insult to discriminate against others because of their background.
An adjective for something excellent, great, or trendy. It is a very common term in Peru, serving as a modern synonym for words like bacan or chevere to show that something is highly appealing.
Those sneakers you bought at the mall are so cool!
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.
A small, long tube, usually made of plastic or similar materials, used to sip liquids from a container. It is the standard term for a drinking straw, used for sodas, shakes, or any cold beverage.
Ask them to put a sorbete in the glass because the slushie is too cold to drink it straight.
An equivalent to hello or what is up. It is used in many Latin American countries. (Though originally from the Caribbean, it has become common throughout the region.)
A person who has a positive vibe and an authentic essence that makes them stand out. It describes someone with a lot of style and a personality that is attractive or admirable because it is genuine.
That guy is really cool, he always has interesting things to talk about and never tries to imitate anyone.
A woman who acts as a wet nurse or nanny, responsible for feeding and raising children who are not her own. This term highlights the maternal care and bond provided by a caregiver who is not the biological mother.
Since my grandmother worked in the fields, a local mama took care of her and nursed her as if she were her own daughter.
An exclamation used to express shock, fear, or surprise when something impressive or unexpected happens. (Commonly used in Peru as a warning or a reaction to a close call).
Oh yara I almost fell. Oh yara I found 10 dollars. Oh yara they almost saw me.
To feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or awkward about doing or saying something. (Derived from palta, the Peruvian word for avocado, which is also used as slang for embarrassment).
A popular Peruvian slang term for eating, grabbing a bite, or chowing down. It is used in daily speech to indicate that someone is going to have lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Hey! Are we going to jamear a set meal at the market or are you going to keep working? (In Peru, a menu refers to a common and affordable fixed-price lunch).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Used to call someone stupid, slow, or lacking the sharpness to handle a situation. It describes someone clumsy or dim-witted, and is a close equivalent to the term huevon (a more ubiquitous slang term for a dummy in Peru).
Hey boludo, I told you to keep the change and you already lost it because you were distracted!
A slang term used to describe a woman who is smoking hot, specifically one with a great figure or well-defined curves. (While the word literally means tasty or rich, in Peru it is used to describe someone who projects a lot of sensuality or has a spectacular body).
Look at the new girl at work, she is bien rica, everyone is left staring when she passes by.
An extremely vulgar term for someone who frequently or indiscriminately performs oral sex. It is primarily used as a harsh insult to degrade someone based on their sexual behavior.
Shut up already, chupapene, because everyone knows you love giving away freebies at the park!
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.
Verbal skill and charisma used to charm, persuade, or sweet-talk others. It is the smooth gift of gab that allows someone to win people over or flirt effectively.
That guy has incredible flow for winning over girls at parties.
A derogatory term for someone who excessively and submissively flatters a person in power to get on their good side or gain favors. It describes a suck-up or brown-noser who is always trying to please bosses or superiors.
Stop being such a lambon with the manager, everyone can tell you are just after the bonus.
An exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or annoyance when something unexpected goes wrong, typically as a gut reaction to a sudden mishap or a realization that you messed up.
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.
Small change or low-value coins left over after a purchase. It refers to that tiny amount of loose money in your pocket that has very little buying power.
Lend me the ripio you had left over from buying the bread so I can pay my fare, please.
A Peruvian slang term for a man who is a major womanizer or player, typically dating several women at once. It is used to label someone with a reputation for being a flirt or who is never faithful to just one partner.
You should not get involved with that guy because he is a PuTAZo, yesterday I saw him out with one girl and now he is at the mall with another.
In Peru, this refers to loose change or low-value coins someone carries. It is typically used for the small leftover coins or cents one has after a transaction.
Give me all the ripio you have in your pocket to finish paying for the bus fare.
A popular slang term for a woman who is extremely attractive or has a stunning figure. It is a common, direct way to praise a woman's physical appearance in informal contexts. (While it literally means little mother, it is used to describe sex appeal and has no relation to motherhood.)
Wow, did you see that girl who just walked into the gym? She is a real mamacita.
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.
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.
Used in Peruvian slang to describe a lightweight who has very little alcohol tolerance and gets drunk quickly. It refers to someone who loses their composure or gets dizzy after just a couple of drinks.
Don't give Renzo any more pisco because he is a polla, after two glasses he can't even stand up.
Refers to the skill or wit a person has for speaking persuasively and charmingly, easily convincing others. It is a natural talent for smooth-talking (floro) used to hit on someone or talk one's way out of a tough spot. (Floro is a Peruvian term for flowery or persuasive speech).
Watch out for that salesman because he has incredible labia and he is going to end up offering you stuff you do not even need.
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.
A slang term for a person's face, used specifically to describe an expression of annoyance, anger, or a bad mood. It is most often used when someone is making a sour face or looking visibly upset.
My boss came into the office today with a jeta that was scary, so I did not even get close to ask him for the day off.
A colloquial and sometimes coarse way to refer to the mouth or lips, especially when they are thick or prominent. It is used in everyday speech to describe this part of the face in a mocking or unrefined way.
Poor kid, he fell face-first playing soccer and now his whole jeta is swollen.
To speed up, pick up the pace, or hustle through a task to finish it quickly. It means putting some speed into whatever you are doing to avoid wasting time.
We are way late for the party, so tell the taxi driver to Embalar down the avenue so we get there before midnight (Tono is a common Peruvian term for a party).
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).
A vulgar and direct term for the vagina or a woman's external genitals in Peruvian slang. It is frequently used in informal or street contexts to refer to the female intimate area.
Hey, cover yourself up well, your whole cuca is showing with that short skirt!
Awesome, cool, or great. Used to describe something impressive, high quality, or fun. (In Peru this is a positive term, unlike in some other countries where it can mean a hassle or laziness).
A suck-up or brown-noser who acts like a lapdog to gain favors. (In Peru, the term is often associated with journalists or public figures who accept bribes, known as mermelada, to provide favorable coverage).
Perú