Paisa dictionary with 6 local expressions to learn before traveling to Medellin - Part 2

Paisa culture has a very varied language and we know that as a foreigner it won't be easy to understand certain local expressions, so we decided to make a second part of the post 7 essential local expressions to learn before traveling to Medellin: Talk as a Paisa.

My friend Charlie from Canada told me the following when I told him I was from Colombia:

The first time I talked to my neighbor, he said: "Q'hubo parce, ¿bien o no?'' I didn't know what he was asking me and later he explained that this expression was frequently used to say hello. It was a fun experience because at the beginning it wasn't easy for me to communicate, but later I became familiar with many of the local expressions. It was such a good adventure.

It is known that many of the expressions used in Medellin have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. For this reason, here we will share with you a short paisa dictionary with 6 additional local expressions, which may help you to have a more fluid communication within the City of Eternal Spring.

1. Bacano

This term refers to an outstanding or pleasant fact, object, person or situation. Chévere means the same thing. For example: ''Qué fiesta tan bacana'' - what an amazing party or ''Medellin es una ciudad muy bacana''- Medellin is an awesome city. Also, you can say: ''Ella es bien chévere'' - She's so cool.

2. Nos pillamos

This one can be used for a parting just like ''see you later'', as well as an expression to meet someone at a place. For example: ''Parce, ya me voy, nos pillamos'' - Buddy, I'm leaving, see you later or ''Nos pillamos a las 6 en tu casa'' - See you at 6 in your house.

3. Parche

It indicates a place to meet or gather with friends. For example: ''Parce, estoy aburrido, ¿qué tal si parchamos en el centro comercial? - Dude, I'm bored, what about meeting at the mall?

4. Charro

It's used when you want to show that you think something is funny or makes you laugh. For example: ''Tan charro esa coreografía, todos estábamos perdidos'' - So funny that choreography, we were all lost.

5. Camello

It's used to refer to employment and also to say that something is difficult to carry out. For example:

- What did you do on Saturday? - Camellar, I had to deliver a project. - And how did it go? - Well, finishing that project was a real camello, but it went well.

6. Pola

It means beer and it's pretty easy to use. For example, you've just come out of a chaotic day, and you say to your friends: ''Vamos a la 70 por unas polas'' - Let's go to the 70 to get some beers.

Soooo, I hope you have enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it, and that you put these terms into practice. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Now you are ready to enjoy the paisa culture, you will see that it is all a chimba, parce.

Written by Kelly Gil