An old, beat-up car that's barely holding together. In Venezuela and Colombia, 'perol' is used with affectionate mockery — it's the car that miraculously still starts, leaks oil, and sounds like it's arguing with the road, but somehow always gets you there.

To pay attention, listen, or take someone seriously. In Venezuela, 'no me para bolas' means someone is completely ignoring you — not necessarily rude, just utterly indifferent to your existence. Used constantly in everyday conversation.

Round flatbread made from cornmeal that is the staple food of Venezuela and Colombia. In Venezuela, the arepa is eaten at every meal and stuffed with anything imaginable — cheese, meat, avocado, black beans. It's not just food; it's daily ritual and national pride.

To turn around, head back or return to where you started. In Central America virar is what you do when the plan changes and you need to reverse course.