Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, has its own rhythm. Amid the hustle and bustle of La Séptima, the mist of Monserrate, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, there beats a unique language: Rolo Spanish. Speaking like a Bogotan isn't just about learning words; it's about capturing the measured yet direct tone, the subtle irony, and the pride of an identity forged in the highlands. For the traveler planning to live here, the expat seeking to put down roots, or the curious Spanish student, mastering these slang expressions is the key to understanding not only what is said, but what is felt.
The Rolo Identity and Its Language
The "rolo" or "cachaco" is the inhabitant of Bogotá. Their Spanish, influenced by Muisca indigenous culture and more formal Castilian Spanish, evolved with its own character. It's a language where the formality of "usted" coexists with the familiarity of "parcero," and where words are affectionately shortened. It's not the musical, fast-paced Caribbean Spanish; it's a mountain language, more measured, where a single expression can contain a complete story.
Glossary of Most Used Bogotan Slang (with Examples and Pronunciation)
Here are 15 essential expressions to sound like a local:
- ¡Qué más! (pron.: keh mas) - The universal greeting. It doesn't literally ask "what else?" but rather "how are you? what's up?" Example: When entering a store: "Hello! ¿Qué más?"
- Parcero / Parce (pron.: par-seh-ro / par-seh) - Friend, buddy. From "parcial," someone from your faction or side. Equivalent to "bro" or "mate." Example: "Hey, parce, shall we go for a tinto?"
- Chévere (pron.: cheh-veh-reh) - Cool, excellent. Example: "That movie was really chévere."
- Rumbear (pron.: rum-beh-ar) - To go out partying, to go dancing. Example: "This Saturday we're going to rumbear in Chapinero."
- Guácala (pron.: gwah-kah-lah) - Yuck! Expression of disgust. Example: "Guácala, this milk is sour."
- Chino / China (pron.: chee-no / chee-nah) - Affectionate term for a child or young person. Not related to the Asian country. Example: "That chino plays soccer really well."
- Pilas (pron.: pee-las) - Be alert! Watch out! Example: "Pilas with that pothole on the sidewalk."
- Berraco / Berraca (pron.: beh-rrah-ko / beh-rrah-kah) - Someone very skilled, hardworking, or impressive. Example: "My sister is a berraca at math."
- ¿A cómo? (pron.: ah koh-moh) - At what price? How much? Example: At the market: "The potatoes, ¿a cómo?"
- Chancleta (pron.: chan-kleh-tah) - Lazy or sluggish person. Example: "Don't be a chancleta, help me clean."
- Tomar un tinto (pron.: toh-mar oon teen-toh) - To drink a small black coffee. A social ritual. Example: "Parce, let's meet at 3 to tomar un tinto."
- ¡Hágale pues! (pron.: ah-geh-leh pwehs) - Go ahead! Do it! Used to encourage or give permission. Example: "Can I come in? - ¡Hágale pues!"
- Chémpiras (pron.: chem-pee-ras) - Broke, without money. Example: "This month I'm chémpiras."
- Mamar gallo (pron.: mah-mar gah-yo) - To joke around, to pull someone's leg. Example: "Don't get mad, I'm just mamando gallo."
- ¡Sapo! (pron.: sah-poh) - Snitch! Someone who rats out others. Example: "Don't tell him anything, he's a sapo."
Unique Bogotá Expressions and Their Origin
Some phrases have curious stories. "Mamar gallo" comes from the custom of distracting fighting roosters so they wouldn't fight. "Parcero" was born in the popular neighborhoods of the 80s, referring to friends from the same "parcialidad" or gang, but today it's a universal term of camaraderie. "¡Qué más!" is a legacy of old Spanish, an abbreviated form of "¿qué más me cuentas?" (what else can you tell me?), reflecting the Bogotan calmness to start a conversation.
Tips for Using Colloquial Language in Context
It's not enough to memorize words. Listen first: notice how rolos elongate vowels and use a flat tone. Use "usted" with strangers and older adults; "tú" or "vos" (less common) with friends. "Parce" is informal; avoid it in work meetings. "¡Qué más!" is for informal situations; in an office, a "good morning" is better. The key is naturalness: if you sound forced, they'll notice. Better start with simple greetings and gradually incorporate slang as you gain confidence.
Comparison with Other Regions of Colombia
On the Caribbean coast they say "bacano" instead of "chévere," and "parce" is almost unknown; they prefer "hermano." In Medellín, "parcero" is also used, but "qué más" is less common. Paisas say "¿qué?" as a greeting. In Valle del Cauca, "chontaduro" is a fruit, not an insult. Rolo Spanish is more formal than coastal Spanish, but less reserved than Pastuso Spanish. Each accent is a world of its own, but Bogotan Spanish has that balance between tradition and modernity that defines the capital.
Resources to Deepen Your Knowledge
To practice, visit cafes in La Candelaria and listen to conversations. Follow Bogotan social media accounts like @BogotaHum or @SecretariaDeCulturaBogota. Read columns in newspapers like El Espectador to see the language written in context. And above all, dare to use it: a well-placed "¡qué más, parce!" can open more doors for you than any tourist guide.
Practice these slang expressions on your next visit to Bogotá and connect with the locals. Because speaking like a rolo isn't just about learning jargon; it's about letting the city inhabit you in every word.
