Peruvian Slang

Friend / Buddy (Peru)

Causa is the most distinctly Peruvian word for friend or buddy. It comes from Lima street slang and is used widely among young Peruvians. It is firmly Lima-rooted and has an urban edge.

Friend / Pal (Peru)

Pata is a softer, more widely used Peruvian word for friend. You will hear "mi pata" all over Peru, especially among younger generations.

Cool / Awesome (Peru)

Bacán means cool, great, or awesome in Peru. It is one of the safest casual words in Peruvian Spanish — widely understood, not too slangy, and usable in most friendly situations.

Broke / No money (Peru)

Misio is Peruvian slang for being broke or having no money. It is widely understood in Lima and used casually among young people.

To hang out (Peru)

Janguear is Peruvian slang borrowed from English "hang." It means to hang out or spend time with friends. Very Lima-specific.

Young person / Kid (Peru)

Chibolo (masculine) or chibola (feminine) means a young person or kid in Peruvian Spanish. Widely used in Lima and most of Peru.