Slang Spoken in Cali, Colombia

If you want to visit or live in the city of Santiago de Cali (also called the Sky Branch (La Sucursal del Cielo), Sultana del Valle, the Salsa Capital of the World or the Sports Capital of America) I would recommend that you learn the Caleño language so you can speak as an expert.

In the sixteenth century during the time of the Spanish Conquest, the Caleño language emerged from the mixture of different "accents" or dialects such as Andalusian, Leonese, Spanish and Catalan. In Cali, it is said “vaj a ir” (¿are you going?) instead of “vas a ir”. This is because the Andalusians use the letter “s” in replace of the letter “j”. If you are a foreigner, ask: “¿cómo ají?” (¿how so?) and not “¿cómo así?” so local people understand you better. Now, the caleños use the pronoun “vos” (second person singular) informally. However, in ancient times it was used among the Spanish nobility as well as when a man wanted to refer to his wife to show her respect.

Here are some Cali/Colombian slangs so you can expand your vocabulary,

Abeja (“a bee”) f. someone that acts quickly and boldly, taking into account the circumstances of time and place. In a derogatory tone, it refers to an opportunistic person. For example: that taxi driver is a bee, he intentionally took a longer route to charge me more money.

Aborrajado m. a typical preparation of the Valle del Cauca consisting of ripe plantain, filled with fresh cheese fried with a crisp coating. Sometimes it also comes with guava candy.

Aguanta adj. denotes that a person, object or situation, meets the minimum characteristics necessary.

A lo bien adj. in a good way, seriously, really.

Avispado(a) adj. high receptive, astute, and clever. For example: that child is so astute that he already knows how to do errands.

Azotar baldosa (“whip tile”) verb. surrender to the dance with passion and debauchery. For example: ¡we went to Juanchito to whip tile!

Bacano(a) adj. very good, beautiful, interesting, and luxurious. Synonym of rough and very cool. For example: your motorcycle is very cool.

Banana f. small candy. For example: he ate in one day all the small candies they gave him on Halloween.

Birra, chela (f. cerveza): beer.

Botar corriente verb. spend time and energy to a specific subject. For example: we have to spend time and energy to the project for the call.

Camellar verb. to work. For example: I will not stay up late because tomorrow I have to work.

Colorete (m. pintalabios): lipstick.

Champús m. typical drink in the Valle del Cauca made from corn, lulo, pineapple, orange leaves and other spices. It can be freshly made or lightly fermented; regardless of how the drink is prepared, it should always be served chilled.

Chéchere (objeto inútil) m. useless object.

Chévere adj. bacano, good, elegant and nice. For example: how nice is your little house.

Cholado m. typical preparation of Valle del Cauca made with fruits, shaved ice and various sweet syrups. It is also called "cholao".

Chontaduro m. small yellow or orange fruit similar to a very small coconut, quite popular in the streets of Cali where they sell it in some corners accompanied by salt and honey.

Chuspa f. plastic bag. For example: I brought a plastic bag to store the wet clothing.

Echar gafa verb. be careful, pay attention. For example: ¿can you take care my suitcase while I go to the bathroom?

Foforro m. party, “recocha”, “farra”. For example: the party was very crazy at Leonardo’s.

Foquiar verb. sleep deeply. For example: he went to sleep deeply under a tree after lunch.

Guaro (m. aguardiente): hard liquor.

Guachafita f. the group disruption that ends in joyful and funny situations. Synonym of “recocha”. For example: she is the queen of the disruption and the chaos.

Lukas f. money/monetary unit equivalent to one thousand pesos. It can also be written in abbreviated form as "LK". For example: I'm waiting for some money that someone owes me.

Maceta f. a wooden stick embedded with sugar candies that godparents usually give to their godchildren on June 29, on the day of the pots.

Machucar verb. hitting, crushing any part of the body in an act of awkwardness, usually a finger. For example: don´t go to hit you with that hammer.

Ñapa f. a little more of something; addition. For example: ¿can I get a little more?

Oís interj. way to get the attention of the interlocutor. Similar to “mirá, ve”.

Pachorra f. sloth; slowness and weakness in proceeding. For example: he as slow as ever, the task will never end.

Pandebono m. typical muffin from Valle del Cauca made with cornmeal and cassava starch. Legend say that this name comes from an Italian who manufactured it and sold it as “pan del bono” that is: good bread.

Papaya f. opportunity, juncture, convenience of time and situation to propitiate something. For example: it is better not to give an opportunity of those expensive phones to be stolen.

Tirar paso (“throw step”) verb. go dancing. For example: they went to throw step all night.

Todo bien expr. expression that indicates no problem. On many occasions it is said with ironic meaning where the phrase “all good is all bad” is popular // adj. Well, friendly, with good principles. Trustworthy. For example: don´t worry, she is a good girl.

Una uva (“a grape”) adj. which is in perfect condition, almost like new. For example: I took the car to the mechanic and it remained as a grape.

Uy tutuy interj. expression used to say surprise or amazement at something, usually at the appearance of someone when is more groomed than usual, or at a compromising situation for someone.

Ve interj. way to get the attention of the interlocutor. Similar to “mirá”. It is commonly used as part of the phrase crutch of the caleños "mirá vé".

Vaca (“cow”) f. collection of voluntary donations, usually to buy liquor. For example: we are making cow for rum.

Zumbambico f. tender and dismissive way of calling a small child when he is too restless and mischievous. For example: this restless child will be scolded.

To start on your Spanish journey today, contact Sally at Spanish Step-by-Step to organise tailored, private classes at a competitive price and adapted to your schedule.

Bibliography: 1. Periódico El País

2. Cuartas, D (2016). Pequeño diccionario integral del español en Cali “Caleño sin barreras”