Amañado: adj. coloq. The adaptation to or enjoyment of a new situation. Similar to: Loving it. Ella está muy amañada en su nuevo trabajo. (She’s really loving her new job)
Bacano: adj. coloq. 1. Something particularly good. Similar to: Awesome, excellent. Es una película bacana. ¡Qué almuerzo tan bacano! (It’s an excellent film. What an awesome lunch!) 2. A person of whom you have a good impression. Similar to: Great, cool. Ella es una bacana (She’s great, she’s cool)
Cantaleta: verb. coloq. The frequent repetition of a topic or subject until it annoys the listener. Similar to: Nag or badger. “Ay mamá, usted si da cantaleta,” (“Mu-um, you really know how to nag.”)
Discover more Colombian phrases and sayings and their translations.
Desentejado: adj. coloq. Balding. Someone who’s losing his hair, or almost bald. “Tan joven y ya está desentejado,” (“So young and he’s already lost his hair).”
Enguayabado: adj. coloq. 1. Recovering from the effect of alcohol consumption. 2. Hangovered.
Fritanga: noun. coloq. A dish of Colombian delicacies, including chorizo sausage, criollo potatoes (a small yellow variety) blood sausage, plantain and chicharrón (pork rinds). Also known as a picada.
Gallinacear: verb. coloq. To seek romantic conquests. Similar to: Make a play/hit on someone. “Él está gallinaceando con las meseras,” (He’s hitting on with the waitresses)
Hostigante: adj. A too-sweet food or drink. Similar to: Saccharine/sickly sweet. “Esta torta quedó muy hostigante.” (This cake is too sweet, it’s sickly)
Intenso: adj. coloq. Irritating, over-the-top, annoying. “¡No sea tan intenso!” (Stop being so annoying!)
Jartera: noun. coloq. 1. Annoying, bothersome. 2. Exhausting, boring. Similar to: Fed up/had enough. “¡Qué jartera con tanto trámite!” (I’m sick of all this bureaucracy!)
Líchigo: adj. coloq. Tight-fisted, cheap, shabby. Similar to: Cheapskate.
Mecato: noun. Treat you eat between meals. Similar to: Snack.
Necio: noun. coloq. Someone that can’t stay still, irritating. Similar to: Pain-in-the-backside (or less polite alternatives).
Onces: noun. plural. Snack taken between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. Similar to: Elevenses/afternoon tea.
Parcero (Parce): m and f. coloq. Close friend. Similar to: Buddy, mate, pal.
Querido: adj. coloq. Person who is nice, loving, friendly. Similar to: A darling/a real sweetheart. “Ella es querida con todo el mundo.” (She’s lovely to everyone)
Recocha: noun. coloq. Loud and disorderly in a fun setting. Similar to: Ruckus/racket.
Salar: verb. coloq. To have or inflict terrible luck. Similar to: Curse.
Traga: noun. coloq. Person for whom you have romantic feelings. Similar to: Crush. “Esa traga suya lo tiene loco,” (Your crush on that girl has driven you crazy)
Vaca (make one): verb. coloq. Collect money for a specific purpose. Similar to: Have a whip round.