Peru is a fantastic and unique place to discover. Its millenary historical importance and its great biodiversity, its delicious gastronomy, its people and of course the particular way of speaking peruvian slang words, enrich the local culture.

Apart from the more than 60 languages and dialects that are spoken in Peru (Spanish and Quechua are official languages as well as Aymara), there are the so-called ‘Peruanismos’, very popular in daily use.

The Most Popular Peruvian Slang Words

Estar Chihuan

This word is similar to “estar misio” (or misia) and “estar aguja (an expression that is usually accompanied by a finger pointing at the neck of the person who says it), this phrase means: I don’t have money.

Qué Palta

Similar to “qué roche”, avocado is aguacate in Mexico or palta in Peru. This phrase means: what a shame.

¡Qué Piña!

Thus, it is very common for you to hear “piña” “¡qué piña!” when someone wants to tell you that, in some way, they regret your misfortune or refer to your little fortune.

Causa or Causita

La Causa, a well-known dish of the Peruvian country’s gastronomy that has potatoes as the main ingredient, is also used to start a conversation in an informal way.

This word mean: Buddy.

Lenteja

Lenteja is an inevitable stew on Mondays in Peruvian homes, the belief indicates that eating lentils serves so that food is never lacking. In this case “lentil” means slow.

Papaya

The word papaya means “easy”.

¡Buenazo!

This word means “pretty good”.

Chamba

This is a very popular word in Peru, “Chamba” means work.

Peruvian Slangs Related to Money

50 cents: a china.
Un sol: a luca.
Soles: Solanos
Dollars: cocos.