Did you know that Bolivia has over 30 official languages, but it’s the local slang that really makes conversations come alive?
As a language enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by how everyday words can reveal so much about a country’s culture, and Bolivia is no exception. Bolivian slang is the key to connecting with locals and navigating everything from casual hangouts to bustling markets.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing 23 must-know Bolivian slang terms and how they’re used in everyday conversations, and the cultural context behind them. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to deepen your Spanish skills, this list will help you speak like a true local!
1. Everyday Expressions
1. Anda a moler agua
Meaning: "Screw you!" (Literally: Go grind water)
This phrase might sound nonsensical at first, but it's a classic example of how Bolivians use colorful metaphors to express frustration. The literal translation, "go grind water," is impossible—just like dealing with someone who’s annoying or frustrating. It’s a creative and indirect way to tell someone off without using harsher language.
Example:
¡Anda a moler agua! Estoy cansado de tus mentiras. (Screw you! I’m tired of your lies.)
2. Capo
Meaning: Awesome person
A "capo" in Bolivia is someone you admire or think highly of. Whether it's a friend, a colleague, or even a mechanic, calling someone "capo" is a way of recognizing their excellence. Unlike its usage in Italian (where it might refer to a boss or leader), in Bolivia, it’s more about being great at something—an all-around compliment.
Example:
Rafael es un capo, arregló mi carro en una semana. (Rafael is awesome, he fixed my car in a week.)
3. Chacharse
Meaning: To skip something
"Chacharse" is the go-to verb when someone decides to ditch a responsibility, whether it's class, work, or a planned event. It’s typically used among younger people, especially students, to describe playing hooky or skipping out on something they were supposed to attend. Unlike the more formal "faltar," this slang gives a laid-back, informal vibe to the idea of skipping.
Example:
¡Nos chachamos hoy de la clase! (We skipped class today!)
2. Youth and Social Slang
4. Chango
Meaning: Young person
In Bolivia, the word "chango" refers to a young person, but this is quite different from its meaning in other Spanish-speaking countries, like Mexico, where "chango" means "monkey." This difference highlights the regional diversity of the Spanish language. In Bolivia, "chango" is an informal and affectionate way to refer to kids, teens, or even young adults.
Example:
En el bar habían puros changos. (At the bar, there were lots of young people.)
5. Charlando
Meaning: Lying
In standard Spanish, "charlar" means "to chat" or have a friendly conversation. However, in Bolivia, the slang term "charlando" flips this meaning on its head. Here, "charlando" refers to someone who’s lying or making up stories, adding a humorous twist to the verb. It’s like saying, "Yeah, right" or calling someone out for exaggerating.
Example:
Claudia me está charlando. (Claudia is lying to me.)
6. Chela
Meaning: Beer
In Bolivia, "chela" is the preferred slang for beer, and it’s an essential term for anyone looking to fit in at social gatherings. Whether you’re at a bar, a party, or a casual get-together, "chela" is the word you’ll hear instead of the more formal "cerveza." Slang terms for alcohol are common in Bolivia, reflecting how drinking culture plays a role in socializing, especially on weekends.
Example:
Quiero una chela friecita. (I want a very cold beer.)
3. Party and Drinking Culture
7. Chaqui
Meaning: Hangover
"Chaqui" is an essential term in Bolivia’s party and drinking culture. After a night of enjoying too many "chelas" (beers), the inevitable "chaqui" (hangover) follows. This word reflects how common and socially accepted drinking is in Bolivia, especially during weekends or festivals. Talking about your "chaqui" the next morning is a shared experience among friends, as it’s often a part of recovering after a big night out.
Example:
No chupes tanto que mañana vas a tener chaqui. (Don’t drink too much because tomorrow you’ll have a hangover.)
8. Chupar
Meaning: To drink alcohol (Literally: to suck)
Though "chupar" means "to suck" in standard Spanish, in Bolivia, this verb is commonly used in a figurative sense to refer to drinking alcohol. It’s a casual way of saying, "Let’s go drinking," and is frequently heard in party settings. "Chupar" embodies the laid-back attitude toward drinking and socializing, especially during festivals or after-work hangouts.
Example:
¡Vamos a chupar esta noche! (Let’s go drinking tonight!)
9. Estar yema
Meaning: Wasted
If you’ve had more than a few drinks and reached the point of being completely drunk, you’d say "estar yema." This term is used to describe someone who’s beyond tipsy and is now fully intoxicated. It’s much stronger than just saying you’ve had a few drinks—it means you’re totally out of it.
Example:
Yo estoy bien yema. (I am totally wasted.)
10. Estar yesca
Meaning: Broke
"Estar yesca" is what you’d say when you want to join the party but don’t have enough money. It’s common in Bolivian slang and often goes hand-in-hand with social situations where friends might pool their money together to buy drinks. Being "yesca" doesn’t stop the fun; it just means you’re in need of a little help from your friends.
Example:
Quiero chupar pero estoy yesca. (I want to drink, but I’m broke.)
4. Love, Relationships, and Feelings
11. Estar camote
Meaning: Crazy in love
In Bolivia, "estar camote" is the perfect way to describe someone head over heels in love. It’s a playful, endearing term used to convey infatuation or intense romantic feelings, almost as if the person is acting irrationally because of their love. Whether it’s a crush or a long-term relationship, this phrase is often thrown around to describe those early, overwhelming stages of love.
Example:
Estoy camote de una chica que estudia conmigo. (I’m crazy in love with a girl who studies with me.)
12. Estar kh’encha
Meaning: To have bad luck
"Estar kh’encha" is used when things just aren’t going your way, whether it’s in love, work, or day-to-day life. It’s the go-to phrase for talking about misfortune, like a streak of bad dates, losing your wallet, or even minor inconveniences. In romantic situations, it’s a way to describe someone’s unlucky streak, such as failed attempts at love or dating.
Example:
Perdí mi billetera y mi cita no apareció, estoy kh’encha. (I lost my wallet and my date didn’t show up—I have bad luck.)
13. Estar pintudo
Meaning: Cool, amazing
"Estar pintudo" is used to describe something—or someone—that’s particularly impressive or cool. Whether it’s a new car, a well-dressed person, or a great performance, this term conveys admiration for things that are visually or socially appealing. It can be applied to objects like clothing, vehicles, or technology, as well as to people who exude confidence or skill.
Example:
Tu nuevo auto está pintudo. (Your new car is amazing.)
5. Insults and Sarcastic Expressions
14. Cojudo
Meaning: Idiot
"Cojudo" is a common Bolivian slang used to call someone an idiot or a fool. Depending on the context and tone, it can range from lighthearted banter among friends to a more serious insult. When used among close friends, it’s often playful, similar to saying, “Don’t be dumb.” However, in more heated situations, it can take on a harsher, more offensive tone.
Example:
Carlos, no seas cojudo. (Carlos, don’t be an idiot.)
15. Opa
Meaning: Fool
"Opa" is another Bolivian term for someone acting like a fool or simpleton. Compared to "cojudo," it’s a bit softer and more commonly used to describe people making silly mistakes or acting naïve. In neighboring countries like Argentina or Chile, "opa" also has similar meanings, though its usage might vary slightly. The term reflects Bolivia’s preference for more laid-back, even humorous, ways of calling someone out.
Example:
¡Paul no seas un opa! (Paul, don’t be a fool!)
16. Pucha
Meaning: Expression of frustration
"Pucha" is a versatile expression used to convey frustration or disappointment, much like saying "oh man" or "darn" in English. It’s mild enough that it’s not considered offensive, which makes it a go-to term for expressing annoyance or surprise in almost any context. Whether you missed the bus, forgot something important, or just had a bad day, "pucha" is the perfect word to use.
Example:
¡Pucha, el bus no llega! (Oh man, the bus isn’t arriving!)
6. Unique Cultural and Regional Expressions
17. Jailón/Jailona
Meaning: Vain person
"Jailón" (for males) or "jailona" (for females) refers to someone who is excessively vain, often tied to wealth or status. It’s typically used to describe people who flaunt their money, appearance, or possessions, usually in a way that comes across as arrogant. In Bolivia, where socioeconomic disparities are visible, this term can carry a bit of social commentary, critiquing those who prioritize vanity over humility.
Example:
No pudiste conseguir el trabajo porque eres una persona jailona. (You didn’t get the job because you’re too vain.)
18. Jallalla
Meaning: General greeting (often in crowded places)
"Jallalla" is a celebratory word of greeting or acknowledgment, rooted in the indigenous Aymara language. It’s used to express goodwill, joy, or solidarity in both casual and formal settings, particularly when addressing large groups. The use of "jallalla" symbolizes respect for Bolivia’s indigenous heritage, blending traditional language with modern social customs.
Example:
¡Jallalla! Espero que todos estén bien.
(Hello, everyone! I hope everyone is well.)
19. Salteña
Meaning: Popular Bolivian breakfast
A "salteña" is a type of savory pastry filled with beef or chicken and vegetables, and it’s one of the most beloved breakfast foods in Bolivia. When someone says, “Let’s get some salteñas,” they are referring to enjoying a staple of Bolivian cuisine, often eaten with friends or family in the morning. This term reflects the country’s deep culinary tradition and the importance of food as a part of social interaction.
Example:
Vamos a comer unas salteñas. (Let’s eat some salteñas.)
7. Daily Life and Other Situations
20. Trancadera
Meaning: Traffic jam
"Trancadera" is a colloquial term for a traffic jam and is frequently used in urban areas of Bolivia, particularly in bustling cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. Given the challenges of public transportation and often congested roads, Bolivians are well-acquainted with this term. It captures not just the physical experience of being stuck in traffic but also the collective frustration that accompanies it.
Example:
Había mucha trancadera en la ciudad hoy. (There was a lot of traffic jam in the city today.)
21. Trucho
Meaning: Fake
"Trucho" is used to describe counterfeit goods or something that isn’t genuine. In Bolivia, it’s commonly applied to everything from fake designer products to unreliable services, encapsulating a broader concern about authenticity and quality. The term reflects a certain skepticism in consumer culture, where buyers are often wary of being deceived.
Example:
¡Pucha! Me compré un reloj trucho en el mercado. (Oh man! I bought a fake watch at the market.)
8. Slang for Flirting and Socializing
22. Vamos a pirañear
Meaning: Let’s go flirt
"Vamos a pirañear" is a playful expression used among friends or in social settings to suggest flirting or socializing, particularly in nightlife contexts. This slang captures the light-hearted spirit of Bolivian social interactions, where engaging in flirtation is often seen as fun and part of the vibrant nightlife. It reflects the camaraderie and casual attitude towards romantic pursuits among young people.
Example:
¿Vamos a pirañear esta noche? (Are we going to flirt tonight?)
23. Wa
Meaning: Expression of surprise
"Wa" is a common exclamation used to express surprise or disbelief, similar to saying "wow" or "what?!" in English. It can be used in various situations, from reacting to exciting news to responding to an outrageous story. This term captures a sense of astonishment that resonates across different Spanish-speaking cultures, although the exact expression might vary regionally.
Example:
Me voy a comprar dos carros este verano. (I’m going to buy two cars this summer.)
—Waaa!
Conclusion
In this exploration of Bolivian slang, we’ve uncovered vibrant expressions that reflect the country's unique culture, from everyday phrases like "anda a moler agua" and "capo" to youthful lingo such as "chango" and "chela."
If you're eager to immerse yourself further in the Bolivian dialect and enhance your Spanish skills, consider using Lingopie, an innovative platform that combines language learning with entertainment through TV shows and movies. By engaging with real-life content, you'll not only grasp the nuances of slang but also feel more connected to the rich tapestry of Spanish-speaking cultures.
So why not give Lingopie a try today, or explore more articles to deepen your understanding of language and culture?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the slang for cool in Bolivia?
In Bolivia, the slang term for "cool" is "pintudo." You can use it to describe something or someone that is impressive or awesome. For example, you might say, "Tu auto está pintudo," meaning "Your car is cool!"
2. What does OPA mean in Bolivia?
"OPA" is a slang term used in Bolivia to refer to someone who is acting foolish or silly. It can be used playfully among friends or as a mild insult, like saying "don’t be a fool."
3. What is hello in Bolivia?
In Bolivia, you can greet people by saying "Hola," which is the standard Spanish word for "hello." Another informal greeting often used in crowded places is "Jallalla," which has roots in indigenous languages and conveys a sense of community.
4. What does yapa mean in Bolivia?
"Yapa" refers to a little extra gift or bonus that a seller might give you when you make a purchase, like a free sample or an additional item. It shows the friendly nature of local commerce, as customers often appreciate this small gesture of goodwill.
