33 Peruvian Slang Terms You Need in Your Spanish Repertoire

One thing I really enjoy is ceviche. It's fresh, flavorful, and packed with lime and spice. But while I’m a big fan of the food, I also love learning about Peruvian slang. The way Peruvians speak is fun and different from what you might hear in other Spanish-speaking countries.

I’ve heard so many amazing stories from my Peruvian friends about how distinctive their language is, and I couldn't help but want to dive into it myself. So, in honor of my love for ceviche and my fascination with their slang, let’s explore 33 expressions that’ll make you feel like you’re right in the heart of Lima.

Where Does Peruvian Spanish Come From?

To really understand Peruvian slang, you have to know that the country’s language is a mix of Indigenous roots (mainly from the Quechua language), Spanish colonization, and even influences from African and Asian immigrants.

Over time, these diverse cultures blended, creating a whole new set of terms and phrases. So when you hear words like jato, pata, or chamba, just know that they’re not just part of the local lingo—they’re a reflection of Peru’s rich history and eclectic culture.

33 Peruvian Slang Terms You Need In Your Spanish Repertoire

If you're planning to visit Peru (or just hanging out with some Peruvian friends), get ready to level up your lingo with these 33 Peruvian slang words and phrases. ¡Vamos!

1. Cocho

An affectionate term for an old person, like calling someone a "grandpa."
Example: "El cocho siempre tiene historias para contar." (The old man always has stories to tell always has stories to tell.)

2. Paja

It means cool or awesome, a go-to term for anything you think is great.
Example: "Ese concierto estuvo paja, la gente estaba súper animada."
(That concert was awesome, the crowd was super pumped.)

3. Tombo

A cop or policeman. It can sometimes be used in a joking or mocking way.
Example: "¡Esconde la cerveza, viene el tombo!"
(Hide the beer, here comes the cop!)

4. Cholo

Can be used in different ways, sometimes affectionate, sometimes derogatory, referring to someone of an indigenous or rural background.
Example: "Ese chico es cholo, pero tiene mucha actitud."
(That guy is from a rural background, but he’s got a lot of attitude.)

5. Chibolo/a

This term refers to "A young person." It is often used for teens or young adults.
Example: "Esa chibola está siempre en el parque jugando fútbol."
(That young girl is always in the park playing soccer.)

6. Pata

A close friend, buddy, or mate.
Example: "Voy a salir con mis patas este fin de semana."
(I’m going out with my buddies this weekend.)

7. Bacán

Something cool, awesome, or great.
Example: "Tu auto está bacán, ¿cuándo me lo prestas?"
(Your car is awesome, when are you going to lend it to me?)

8. Fuiste

Used when something is over or a missed opportunity has passed.
Example: "Ya fuiste, el trabajo que querías ya se ha ido."
(It’s over, the job you wanted is already gone.)

9. Calato

Naked, or without clothes.
Example: "¡Ay, no me mires, estoy calato!"
(Oh, don’t look, I’m naked!)

10. Fumón

A pot smoker, someone who regularly smokes marijuana.
Example: "Él es un fumón, siempre está con su porro."
(He’s a pothead, always with his joint.)

11. Choro

A thief or someone who steals.
Example: "¡Cuidado, ese es un choro, nos va a robar!"
(Be careful, that’s a thief, he’s going to rob us!)

12. Achorado

Refers to someone who is bold or aggressive, often acting fearlessly.
Example: "Ese tipo está bien achorado, no le importa lo que piensen."
(That guy is really bold, he doesn’t care what others think.)

13. Huachimán

A private security guard or watchman.
Example: "El huachimán del edificio me pidió que me fuera."
(The building guard asked me to leave.)

14. Churro

An attractive, good-looking guy.
Example: "¡Ese chico está bien churro!"
(That guy is really handsome!)

15. Chamba

Work or a job.
Example: "Estoy buscando chamba, pero no encuentro nada."
(I’m looking for work, but I can’t find anything.)

16. Yapa

The extra or bonus you get—like when you get a little more than you paid for.
Example: "Me dio un jugo extra como yapa."
(He gave me extra juice as a bonus.)

17. Misio

Someone who's poor or broke.
Example: "Hoy estoy misio, no puedo salir a cenar."
(I’m broke today, I can’t go out to dinner.)

18. Bamba

Fake or counterfeit. Often used to describe fake products.
Example: "No compres esa ropa, es toda bamba."
(Don’t buy that clothing, it’s all fake.)

19. Chato

Short, often used as a playful nickname for someone who’s shorter in stature.
Example: "Le decimos Chato porque es bajito."
(We call him Chato because he’s short.)

20. Causa

A close friend, like a “bro” or “homie.”
Example: "Este es mi causa, siempre nos apoyamos."
(This is my close friend, we always have each other’s back.)

21. Jato

Your house or place, like saying “home.”
Example: "¿Vamos a mi jato después de clase?"
(Shall we go to my place after class?)

22. Lechero

A lucky person, someone who always seems to win or succeed unexpectedly.
Example: "Juan es un lechero, siempre le toca la mejor suerte."
(Juan is so lucky, he always gets the best luck.)

23. Pituco

A snobbish, rich person who acts superior to others.
Example: "No le hables, ese tipo es un pituco."
(Don’t talk to him, that guy is a snob.)

24. Pendejo

A sly, sharp person who’s also untrustworthy, often used as a term for a fool.
Example: "No seas pendejo, no hagas eso."
(Don’t be a fool, don’t do that.)

25. Chibolero

A man who dates much younger girls.
Example: "Carlos es un chibolero, siempre anda con chicas jóvenes."
(Carlos is a sugar daddy, he’s always with young girls.)

26. Huasca

Refers to being super drunk or wasted.
Example: "¿Cómo vas a manejar si estás huasca?"
(How are you going to drive if you’re wasted?)

27. Asado

Angry or upset. It's like saying someone is "roasted" emotionally.
Example: "Está bien asado porque no lo invitaron a la fiesta."
(He’s really mad because they didn’t invite him to the party.)

28. Conchudo

Someone who’s shameless, a rascal, or a person who takes advantage of others.
Example: "Ese tipo es un conchudo, siempre le pide plata a todo el mundo."
(That guy is shameless, he always asks for money from everyone.)

29. Pucha

Used instead of stronger curse words like "puta" (bitch) to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief.
Example: "¡Pucha, no puedo creer que perdimos el partido!"
(Wow, I can't believe we lost the game!)

30. Profe

Short for "professor," often used by street vendors or people who want to grab the attention of someone they see as more refined or business-like.
Example: "¡Profe, compre algo para la suerte!"
(Hey, sir, buy something for good luck!)

31. Roche

Shame or embarrassment, often used in situations when something awkward happens.
Example: "Qué roche que se cayó en frente de todos."
(What a shame that he fell in front of everyone.)

32. Suzuki

A play on the word "sucio" (dirty), meaning something or someone is dirty or unkempt.
Example: "¡Este lugar está suzuki, necesitamos limpiarlo!"
(This place is dirty, we need to clean it!)

33. Luca

A slang term for one Peruvian Nuevo Sol (the local currency).
Example: "¿Cuánto cuesta la entrada? Solo 10 lucas."
(How much is the entrance? Only 10 soles.)

Learn More Spanish Slang Terms With Lingopie

As you can see, Peruvian slang adds a whole new layer of fun and flavor to the Spanish language. Each phrase gives you a glimpse into the culture and daily life in Peru.

If you're excited to dive deeper into the language and hear these slang terms in action, Lingopie is a great way to do it! With its library of TV shows and movies in Spanish, you can hear how these words are naturally used by native speakers. Ready to get started? Take your Spanish skills up a notch with Lingopie and enjoy the language while having fun!