Language/Spanish/Vocabulary/Guatemalan-Slang

In Guatemala we speak spanish as our first language. Very common expresions are the following:

Ala gran

it's very used when you are surprised of something or also if you are angry... like "ala gran" (something like "what the heck")

¡A la gran puchica! (¡a la gran!)

expresses shock.

• ¡A la gran puchica! es increíble. – Oh my God, it’s amazing!

A tuto

is the same as saying: to bring something back-loaded.

• La mama lleva a tuto a su bebe

The mother carries her baby on her back.

Amishar

being shy or embarrassed.

Boca/Boquitas

snacks / appetizer

• En la fiesta hubo muchas bocas para comer

At the party there were many snacks to eat.

Bolo

A drunk man.

• Este hombre está muy bolo

This man is very drunk.

Calidad

means quality... but we refer to something that is awesome... you will saysomething like "ala gran, que calidad... will will be slike"woe... thats pretty cool".

Dejar en el arranque

being let down

chambonada

This literally means “a big job,” but refers to a person who does poor quality work.

• Esa carretera es una chambonada.

That house is a botched job.

hacer la campaña

to do someone a favor.

• ¿No podés ir a la tienda para comprarme algo? ¡hacéme la campaña!

Could you please go to the store and buy me something? Please! Do me the favor!

papa pelada

It’s a metaphor for a “life of ease.”

• Mucha gente quiere la papa pelada.

Many people want everything handed to them on a plate.

tener galleta

to be physically strong.