Community

Your word isn't here yet

Join Hablaaa and add the expression no one else has documented.

/Sounds like "pah" (as in "park") + "SAHR" (as in "salsa") + "PYOH" + "lah" (as in "lava")/

Meaning

To go unnoticed or keep a low profile in Chile, staying under the radar so nobody pays attention to you. Someone who "pasa piola" moves quietly and avoids being the center of attention.

Examples

I arrived late but slipped in unnoticed because the teacher was distracted.

Better keep a low profile at this party, we don't know anyone.

Regional synonyms

/Sounds like "pah" (as in "park") + "SAHR" (as in "salsa") + "PYOH" + "lah" (as in "lava")/

Meaning

To fly under the radar, stay quiet, and avoid drawing attention so you don't get in trouble. In Argentina, passing piola is a conscious social strategy, the art of being present but invisible when you need to be.

Examples

Pasé piola en toda la reunión para que no me dieran más trabajo.

I stayed under the radar the whole meeting so they wouldn't give me more work.

You have to lay low until things calm down.

Regional synonyms

Showing 2 definitions, sorted by votes

The big shot who runs the block in Puerto Rican street culture. Bichote comes from the English "big shot" adapted to Boricua phonetics. A bichote has money, commands respect, and has people around him. The word jumped from street life into Puerto Rican trap and reggaeton, where Bad Bunny, Anuel, and others use it constantly.