_edited.jpg){kind=small}
By Fungi
Learning Spanish is not only difficult because of the language itself but also because of the variations of the language in every Spanish-speaking country you go to visit. This article will provide you with three slang words from Peru, so if you're planning to visit this country, put these words into your to-learn list and have fun with them. The next examples are mainly verbs and don't have many variations (except for the last one) so don't worry about people saying them in a strange way.
First word: Chihuán
Meaning: To be without money or in a difficult financial situation.
Similar words: “Estar aguja” “Estar misio”.
Cultural context: This term became popular from a statement by former congresswoman Leyla Chihuán, who said that her salary as a congresswoman was not enough for her. The phrase generated criticism and ridicule, becoming synonymous with being in financial trouble.
Example: “Estoy Chihuán, no tengo plata ni para la combi” (I'm chihuán, I don't even have money for the bus)
Second word: Toledo
Meaning: To escape or flee from justice, especially in reference to cases of corruption.
Cultural context: Alejandro Toledo, former president of Peru, is known for having fled the country to avoid facing corruption charges. His name has become an informal verb meaning to escape legal consequences.
Example: “No hagas la de Toledo cuando te pidan dar explicaciones” (Rough translation: Don't Toledo when they ask you for explanations.)
Third word: Jatear
Meaning: To sleep.
Context: The term is widely used in informal conversations and among young people. It can be employed in various situations when talking about resting or sleeping.
Example: “Estoy cansado, voy a jatear un rato” (I'm tired, I'm going to sleep for a while).
Origin: Although the origin of the term 'jatear' is not entirely clear, it is associated with the term 'jato’, which in Peruvian slang means 'house.' The use of "jatear" might derive from the idea of going home to rest or sleep.
Example: “Oe, vamos para mi jato más tarde” (Hey, let 's go to my house later).
For more information and investigation I recommend you to research this web page https://diperu.apl.org.pe, since it is a dictionary of neologisms and slang words only from Peru. Even though it doesn't have every single word we use, it may have the majority of it and its meaning.
About Fungi
Fungi, Peruvian studying translation hoping to escape from the country, is a student at university almost in their last year. Loves learning languages and cultures, and they're in love with traveling to different places while learning more about the ballroom community of that place. They're currently learning Chinese and think that they need more discipline but they're doing great.