Regionalisms and expressions

[Marianopolita]

Not Creole, just obsolete...

No, it's 'fran?ais fran?ais' but keep in mind obsolete. I just checked in another Thesaurus. The same details were given. Who knows maybe it did not even spread beyond France. I can't recall if I have heard it used (ever) but in old French literature possibly because it does not seem that strange to me just not used in modern day French.

BTW, I don't know anything about Creole to even make a remote comparison. I don't understand it at all although as you know in Montreal, one can easily hear it everyday.

If our dear poster 'montreal' reads this her opinion/ knowledge will be welcome. In the meantime, let's get back to Spanish regionalisms.



-LDG.

 

[Norma Rosa]

In the DR that would be ch?vere

Yes. "Est? de madre" is also used in the DR.

 

[Chirimoya]

Or "no tiene madre" to mean something extremely good or bad.

 

[andrea9k]

Hey Lesley!

To add to the Peruvianisms:

Huachafo- is a word I hear a lot from my friends and I am actually reading another Peruvian novel (just a coincidence and not Jaime Bayly surprise, surprise) and it's used quite a bit. From what I gather one meaning is 'pretentious' as in 'cursi' and the dictionary also says that it means a person who dresses badly (mal vestido). Anything you can add here please feel free.

-LDG.

Huachafo, in general is used to denote tacky-ism (just created this word hehe). My husband loves that word (especially after learning the correct pronunciation) and uses it left and right when he sees things he considers tacky. Funny!

There are some variants to this word, all with the same meaning: Huachafiento, huachafer?a, huachafoso, huachaf?stico. I doubt those words are even in the "mataburros".

Stay well.

Jess

 

[macocael]

I have a question about regional usage that maybe someone can answer. I just watched the Colombian film Sicario for the second time and again was puzzled by the way the characters address each other, slipping from the more formal usted to the informal tu, back and forth, without any seeming reason. For example, the protagonist talks to his girlfriend using both forms, and others talk to the protagonist in the same manner, although they know him very well and would be expected to stick to the T? form. Now maybe it is a matter of euphony in some cases, but in others I just couldnt figure out the reason.


Any explanation?

 

[andrea9k]

Hi maco

In Colombian colloquialism "Usted" is the informal way to address someone. Formality for them is based more on the context. I can't recall any of my Colombian friends addressing each other as t?... maybe when closeness is needed... You might want to wait for a Colombian fellow to explain more.

Now, the main actor in Sicario is Venezuelan. That might be the reason why he got his "Usted" and "t?" mixed up

Cheers,

Jess

 

[Marianopolita]

Observations-

One aspect to remember about regionalisms, words specifically is that although they are used and heard in a specific region or in an entire country does not mean that they are (grammatically) correct or even exist in Spanish. In this forum, a few posters first defense is 'that's what Dominicans say' but it shows the lack of knowledge depth of those individuals in Spanish not being able to decipher what's correct from what's incorrect.

Over the past few days I have been in the company of diverse speakers since it's the holiday season, people come and go that you know and don't know. In conversation I made some observations about speech that I always find interesting. As I have said before, it's not just what you may read about in language, linguistics, sociolinguistics studies etc. The speech of a group of people is the ultimate proof and example of the diversity that exists in Spanish which includes Dominican speech and Spanish spoken in other countries.

Some examples that stood out were the use of casimente by one Dominican among the group of speakers. Depending on your social circle, IMO one will not hear this. Casimente does not exist in Spanish. "Mente" which is added to an adjective to form an adverb in Spanish should not be added to casi because it's already an adverb. One person in the conversation from Moca kept using the word all the time. Here is a simple comment/ explanation. tuBabel.com - definici?n de "casimente" en Rep. Dominicana es "casi". As well, a lot of 'ello no hay, no' which is typical of the Dominican vernacular. The usage of 'ello' with the impersonal verb haber is not correct in Spanish.

I was introduced to a gentleman and the first thing he said was '?De d?nde sos vos?' which was his vernacular for the question I returned to him ?De d?nde eres? The fact that he used a voseo form meant that he could be from a few countries. Turned out he was from Honduras, which is one of the Central American countries where it is used.

Regionalisms and expressions are fun, diverse, interesting etc. and definitely reveal a wealth of linguistic information about a community or speech population. Observation is a must but also knowing what is incorrect and correct in order not to repeat incorrect speech.


Here is a Dominican expression used on a TV talk show recently. I have not heard it used by other Spanish speakers:

'El mejor de la matica'

I think the meaning is quite easy to decipher.


-LDG.

 

[wildnfree]

Spain
Currar - to work (trabajar)
Ligar - to pick someone up, flirt
Amamonao/a - dumbfounded
un Conazo - a pain in the ass
vete a la mierda - get stuffed
Chaval/chavala - boy/girl
vale -ok, fine
ahora - soon
Ostia - damn

 

[Marianopolita]

hacer botella (autostop)= hitchhike

I was reading this interesting article about the improvement in the transportation system in Cuba which is in desperate need of new equipment (buses) and repairs. I found it interesting the usage of the colloquialism hacer botella which means 'to hitchhike'. The more formal term is hacer autostop but interestingly enough I don't think I have ever heard it used in Spanish.

The usage of 'hacer botella' was like a breath of fresh air because the passenger was just speaking in everyday Cuban vernacular which is normal when people are conversing informally. What I find interesting as well now that it has been brought to my attention is the word 'autostop'. I have never heard it used in English and it is a synonym. In another Latin based language it's used. I know that for sure. Maybe the term originated in Europe and the usage depends on the region.

BBC Mundo - Am?rica Latina - Mejora el transporte en Cuba

Sin embargo, muchas chicas siguen haciendo "botella" (autostop), me dice una de ellas que se mueven m?s r?pido, viajan m?s c?modas y a veces hasta con aire acondicionado. As? que aunque mejoren las "guaguas" algunas tradiciones parece que se mantendr?n.

-Marianopolita

 

[Norma Rosa]

Autostop (autoestop): Concocted in France (faire de l'autostop) the term is used throughout Europe.

Not in use in the DR. and neither is hacer botella. We prefer: Pedir un avent?n. Pedir una bola.
Norma

 

[Marianopolita]

Info for those reading the thread...

Norma,

This is clarifying info for those reading the thread. I knew autostop is used in French as referenced in my post above because of my neck of the woods. In Canadian French (regionalism) faire de l'auto-stop= faire du pouce which is used in Quebec. I am not sure what is used in other regions of Canada where French is spoken.

My query solely was whether autostop was originally English or French and probably European. I have never heard it used in English.

As for the Spanish equivalents, in the DR or usage by Dominicans I hear more 'pedir una bola' at least in Montreal although I am familiar with both expressions. As for 'hacer botella', I don't know where I have heard it used or why I am familiar with but when I read the article I was just happy to see it there used informally knowing very well what it means. It's just an example of the language diversity I keep reiterating. After a while one has a good command/ understanding of colloquialisms across the board.


-Marianopolita

 

[Marianopolita]

chicha de pi?a

I just finished reading an article today en El Siglo (Panama) and came across another interesting regionalismo used in Panama. The word chicha means any type of 'fruit drink' or juice usually homemade with a freshly squeezed fruit. I do remember hearing the word used a lot in Panama especially among friends. Since Panama is a tropical country and rich in fruits one can make a variety of chicha drinks. For example, chicha de pi?a (as noted in the article) chicha de guanabana (The DR equivalent 'champola' was mentioned in post #11), chicha de papaya (the generic meaning of the word for this fruit NOT the Cuban meaning), chicha de tamarindo, chicha de naranja etc. In general, many of the fruits native to Panama are used to make chichas. Of course, these fruits can be found in other tropical countries under another name.

I mentioned 'chicha' and other Panamanian regionalisms in the first post of this thread but did not expand on it at the time. http://www.dr1.com/forums/462666-post1.html

From the article 'Acribillado en la parada':

El hombre se hab?a tomado una chicha de pi?a, para luego tomar el bus que lo llevar?a a su destino. El hecho ocurri? a plena luz del d?a y a 20 metros de la garita de la Polic?a de Tr?nsito

In a general sense 'chicha' in Spanish means any type of fermented beverage and then there are region specific meanings such as a 'fruit drink' of any kind as used in the Panamanian context.

Definition of fermentation:

1 a) a chemical change with effervescence

Definition of ferment:

1) to undergo fermentation

source: Merriam webster dictionary

What's even more interesting as I continue to research and follow the etymology of the word 'chicha' according to the RAE it comes from Kuna-'chichab' which is an indigenous word. The Kunas are the indigenous group/ culture of Panama. If you ever visit Panama you will learn a lot about the Kuna culture which is very important in Panamanian history locally known as 'la cultura Kuna'.

Definition from the RAE:

chicha-

(De la voz aborigen del Panam? chichab, ma?z).-

ma?z (corn) can be fermented into a drink.

1. f. Bebida alcoh?lica que resulta de la fermentaci?n del ma?z en agua azucarada, y que se usa en algunos pa?ses de Am?rica.

As well, there is the popular expression (dicho) in Spanish- ni chicha ni limonada or the colloquial equivalent ni chicha ni limon? = ni el uno ni el otro= neither fish nor fowl (not one or the other).

This word definitely brings back good memories of the first time when my friend asked me '?quieres chicha?' and I just had a blank look on my face and then she said- perd?n, jugo.

Don't forget juice in Spain is 'zumo'. Once again what a wonderful language!

-Marianopolita

 

[Marianopolita]

Tiquismos

Tiquismos are Costa Rican expressions or slang. I came across a few good links out of sheer curiosity, luck and to a certain extent necessity. I have references on Spanish slang and expressions; however, they are not easy to find especially the really thorough ones that are well-detailed and compiled. The reason why I decided to pre-search some expressions is because the next novel I plan to read is written by a Spaniard titled Pura Vida (another tiquismo) and the book?s setting is in Costa Rica. I browsed through it and saw the amount of local expressions, slang and regionalisms and decided it would be a good idea to prep myself before reading the novel as to not interrupt the flow.

The suffix ?ismo in Spanish means ?ism in English thus of or relating to the noun in question or characteristic of XYZ. There are many other examples such as dominicanismo, cubanismo, colombianismo and of course there are some exceptions to the rule. Tiquismo is an expression in itself. The nickname for Costa Ricans (nationality= el gentilicio (in Spanish)) is 'los ticos'. Costa Ricans call themselves ticos/ ticas because in their vernacular it is such a common diminutive used that it became a self appointed nickname to refer to each other. For example, el saltico, el momentico, el gatico etc. Keeping in mind the other rival diminutive per se is -ito which is used in many other Spanish-speaking countries. In one of the links it states that tico is 'a quirk of speech'. I have no idea what is meant by that. The nickname came about as I described. Does anyone know what the nicknames are of the other Central American countries that refer to nationality? Have you heard them used? As you read through this post think about it and I will post them at the end.

I often read on DR1 posters that say they want to learn 'Dominican Spanish'. How I wish they would say Dominican expressions or slang or Dominican vernacular which really clarifies what their goal is. Spanish is Spanish. What you learn at home, in school, on the street is the same language however, with a mix of different speech varieties, regionalisms, in some cases syntax (sentence structure which is specific to Spanish spoken in the Caribbean), el voseo the usage of 'vos' (which is not the same as 'vosotros') which still is used fully or partially in many Spanish-speaking countries although considered absolutely archaic or even uneducated in most academic circles etc.

Upon review of the links, some of the expressions and slang are not used solely in Costa Rica. They are quite universal. Some are typical of the Central American region which should not be a surprise to anyone familiar with Latin American history as it was once a unified region of five countries- Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Panama was not part of La Gran Central America as it was part of La Gran Colombia at that time before becoming an independent nation. A similar type of link or cheat sheet(s) would be helpful to those looking to be familiar with Dominicanisms. However, if you speak Spanish you will be understood. Local expressions are just added vocabulary IMO, and if you don?t know them you will learn them fast by trial and error and by listening to the locals. However, to set out to learn them without learning grammatically correct Spanish in general serves no purpose. Chances are you will use them incorrectly because of the lack of sufficient grammatical knowledge.

I think these links are a delight for those who really enjoy the diversity of Spanish. As well the person (s) made them easy, simple and fun to read. The second link really combines the importance of language and culture which is paramount. In Spanish it?s not just about knowing the expressions; one has to understand appropriate usage, meaning and when certain words or expressions are completely out of place.

Costa Rica - Costa Rican Slang and Idioms

Slang in costa rica

Costa Rica Slang, Costa Rica Spanish, Spanish Lesson Costa Rica, Affordable Vacations

The Top 3 Costa Rican Expressions:

1/ -mae (my): Mae can be used to mean "dude" between friends, or simply to refer to any man or woman ("ese mae te est?

llamando" = "that guy is calling you").

2/ -pura vida (poor-ah vee-dah): Pura vida means "pure life," but more than anything, it's a way of life. This phrase

symbolizes the Costa Rican idea of letting things go, and simply enjoying life. Use it as an answer to "c?mo est?s?"

("how are you?"), or to say "thank you" or "you're welcome."

3/ tico / tica (tee-ko/tee-ka): Due to a quirk of speech, Costa Ricans are called Ticos. Since Spanish uses gendered nouns,

a Costa Rican man is a Tico, and a Costa Rican woman is a Tica.

Nicknames of the other Central American nationalities:

Chapines- Guatemalans
Catrachos- Hondurans
Guanacos- Salvadoreans
Nicas- Nicaraguans
Canaleros- Panamanians


-Marianopolita

 

[bachata]

If you are called GMC in the DR... Do you know what it means???

Answer: Grande Malo y Caro..

Hehe

JJ

 

[Marianopolita]

Pedir jama...

As I was reading this newspaper article, I came across a Cuban expression. I had never heard it before and it does sound very local indeed. In fact, I have never heard any of my Cuban friends use it. Somehow, I get the feeling though that it?s quite common argot.

Pedir 'jama'- (comida, en el argot popular cubano)

Gonz?lez fue detenido despu?s de que sali? en un video, claramente bajo los efectos del alcohol, comentando el hambre que se siente en Cuba y pidiendo "jama'' (comida, en el argot popular cubano).

Permiten a P?nfilo ir a su casa en breves visitas - Cuba - El Nuevo Herald



-Marianopolita.

 

[ElvisNYC]

As I was reading this newspaper article, I came across a Cuban expression. I had never heard it before and it does sound very local indeed. In fact, I have never heard any of my Cuban friends use it. Somehow, I get the feeling though that it?s quite common argot.

Pedir 'jama'- (comida, en el argot popular cubano)





Permiten a P?nfilo ir a su casa en breves visitas - Cuba - El Nuevo Herald



-Marianopolita.

Jama (comida) is also used in Ecuador, mainly in the coastal regions like Guayaquil.

 

[Marianopolita]

Interesante...

Thanks ElvisNYC,


I find that very interesting. The RAE indicates that it's used in Cuba and Nicaragua. I have friends from both countries and never heard them use the expression. Now I will add Ecuador to the group.


Como siempre mil gracias.


-Marianopolita.

 

[Marianopolita]

Regionalisms for 'perros callejeros'- 'stray dogs'

I was browsing through El Universal, one of Colombia's newspapers from Cartagena and right off the bat, the first article I chose to read revealed three new regionalisms I have never heard. I think many of us aware of the problem of stray dogs in Latin America and the DR is no exception to the rule. In a few Latin countries I have been to I have heard local words for 'stray dogs' but none of these that are in this article. IMO, it's good to know what the locals call stray dogs because you never know what experience you may have with them and hopefully nothing serious.


Word variations for stray dogs- perros callejeros:

400 MILLONES DE PERROS CALLEJEROS

'Zaguates' en Costa Rica, 'chuchos' en Espa?a, 'quiltros' en Chile; se estima que en el mundo hay unos 400 millones de perros callejeros, usualmente sin raza definida, seg?n entidades defensoras de los animales.

Cartagena - Ambiente -> En Costa Rica levantan monumento a los perros callejeros - El Universal

I also know that in Puerto Rico stray dogs are called 'perros realengos', and they are a big problem there as well. I learned fast to be on the look out when walking around San Juan.

A DR equivalent would be 'perro viralata'.


Summary:

'zaguates' en Costa Rica
'chuchos' en Espa?a
'quiltros' en Chile
'perros realengos' en Puerto Rico
'viralatas' en Rep. Dom
'perros vagabundos'- used in the article



-Marianopolita.

 

[Chirimoya]

Realengo is commonly used in the DR, as well as viralata.

 

[Marianopolita]

True but...

Realengo is commonly used in the DR, as well as viralata.

I know 'realengo' is used in the DR but I personally have not heard it used. In DR newspaper articles yes, I see it more than viralata. Experiences differ and vary of course.


-Marianopolita.