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/Sounds like "pahl" (as in "park") + "TOHN" (as in "toll")/

Meaning

In Peru, someone who gets embarrassed easily, shrinks from attention, or plays dumb out of shyness. A paltón holds back from asking for what they want, speaking up, or joining in because they are too worried about looking silly or drawing attention to themselves.

Examples

Stop being so shy and just ask them to play the song you want.

He totally froze up when they asked him to speak in front of everyone.

Word family
Regional synonyms

In Mexico, someone who can never stay home: always out in the street, traveling, or roaming around, never sitting still. Tener pata de perro means you have a restless, wandering spirit.