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Welcome, you are in Marca País
Welcome, you are in Marca País
Seven Colombian words you must master at a rumba
Have you ever been offered a “pola” or gone ‘rumba’ with a “parcero”? If so, you already have a good knowledge of Colombian words.
The presence of Colombians can be seen and felt all around the world. They are not only known for their joy and traditions but also for the popular Colombian phrases or sayings they use daily. The Colombian dictionary is unique, diverse, and fun. That’s why we’re showing you here the most commonly used Colombian words at a party and what they mean.
Rumba
This means going out to party or dance, either with a big group of people or just a few friends. It’s one of the most used Colombian words, especially on weekends. In other regions of Colombia, different terms are used to refer to this word, such as “parranda” and “foforro” on the Caribbean coast or “farra” in the central part of the country. “Get ready because this Friday we’re definitely going out to rumba!”
Parche
This means putting together a group of people to do something or make plans. It can also refer to someone cool or fun to be around—basically, a really nice person. It’s one of the most used Colombian words among groups of friends when going out to party. “Should we make a parche to go out tonight? You’ve got to meet Catalina’s boyfriend—he’s such a parche!” What are Colombians like?
Churro
Even though this word might remind you of that delicious fried treat, that’s not what it’s about. In Colombia, especially in the interior of the country, this Colombian dictionary term refers to a very handsome and attractive man. Some regions use other expressions for this, such as “bizcocho” or “simpático.” “Did you see how Carlos looked in that photo? He’s such a churro!”
Pola
This is one of the Colombian words that everyone has used at some point when going out, as it’s how Colombians refer to beer. And with good reason: the word originated from a Colombian beer brand called “La Pola,” created in 1930 in honor of Policarpa Salavarrieta. Some synonyms for this word used in different parts of the country include: “birra,” “frías,” “chela,” and “rubia.” “Come over to my place at 8 p.m. We’re getting together with my friends to have a pola.”
Guaro
This is one of the country’s most iconic words, as it refers to the national alcoholic beverage: aguardiente. Typically, each department in Colombia has its own brand, so there are about 20 different types. Some examples include: Néctar (Cundinamarca), Doble Anís (Huila), Antioqueño (Antioquia), Líder (Boyacá), Cristal (Coffee Region), and Llanero (Meta). If you visit Colombia, you’ll probably get a chance to try this clear anise-flavored drink that can make even the stiffest person dance—and maybe even help you speak a foreign language. “Would you like to try aguardiente from Antioquia or Boyacá?” Colombia’s favorite sayings
Tumbao
This refers to someone who has a distinctive way of walking or dancing that turns heads and steals the spotlight. It’s one of the most common Colombian words heard during a party. “Do you see that blonde girl at the bar? She’s got so much tumbao!”
Jincho
This word in the Colombian dictionary refers to the state people get in when they’ve had too much to drink. In other words, someone who is drunk or wasted. Usually, the person only realizes it the next day—not in the moment. “Last night after the party, he was totally jincho.” Now that you know the most commonly used Colombian words at a party, you’ll be ready to dance and start speaking Colombian Spanish.
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