El Salvador
Most popular words
All expressions
El Salvador
All expressions
To work or try incredibly hard, to give everything you've got, body and soul. Whoever 'se mata' doesn't rest until they see the results of their effort.
To entrust yourself to God or the saints before doing something dangerous. In Mexico and Central America, before a difficult journey or surgery, you 'encomiendate', asking for divine protection.
Stupid, dumb, slow on the uptake. In El Salvador xopa is a direct insult for someone who just doesn't get it no matter how many times you explain.
In Central America, a snobby or pretentious person who acts like they are upper class when they are not. The fufurufo walks around with their nose in the air, looks down on people who are not dressed well enough, and performs a social status they have no real claim to.
A free ride in someone's car. In Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, asking for a jalón is completely normal and neighborly, especially in areas where buses do not reach. It is the local equivalent of hitchhiking but without any of the stigma.
To chat about everything and nothing at once, especially with friends, believing you can solve all of life's big problems in one conversation.
To beat someone up, punch someone, or give someone a serious thrashing. When you get sonado, you don't walk away looking or feeling good, it's a no-nonsense physical confrontation.