Talk Like a Honduran: Slang Words for Everyday Use
Are you planning to visit Honduras and looking to learn a bit of Honduran slang? You’ve come to the right place!
Honduras is a beautiful country located in the middle of Central America. It borders Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. While Hondurans speak Spanish, they have created their own words and unique way of speaking the language.
For that reason, today I’ll explain what slang is and why you should learn it. Keep reading to discover 16 Honduran slang words—along with practical examples of how to use them.
What is Slang?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, slang is “very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people.”
When someone talks about slang, they’re usually referring to “street words,” the type of words that come from the people, not from books.
Slang exists in every language; for instance, US English has its share of slang words. In Spanish, every country has its own slang words, which is how we have Mexican slang, Central American slang, and, yes, Honduran slang.
Why Should You Learn Honduran Slang?
Learning a language means not only learning grammar rules and vocabulary but also a new culture. There’s a general culture in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as subcultures in each country that speaks Spanish. Slang is a cultural expression that helps you better understand Honduran culture.
If you visit Honduras in the future, learning Honduran slang will enable you to integrate into the country and communicate in the language spoken by locals.
16 Honduran Slang Words
I’ve put together this list of useful Honduran slang words for you, organized in categories according to their meaning.
People
Use the words in this category to refer to la gente (people) in one way or another.
1. Catracho
This is one piece of Honduran slang that people from other countries use widely. A catracho or catracha is a person from Honduras.
Mi amigo Gerardo es catracho.
My friend Gerardo is Honduran.
2. Maje
Maje is the most Honduran of Honduran slang words. It means “dude,” “bro,” and “mate.” You hear it everywhere, all the time in this Central American country.
Hola maje, ¿cómo estás?
Hey dude, how are you?
3. Alero
I love this word because it’s a literal translation from English that works. An alero in Honduran slang is your best friend. Its literal meaning is “wingman,” that friend who’s always on your side.
Carlos es mi alero.
Carlos is my best friend.
4. Chele
Chele is a word used in Honduras to refer to white people. Its use is similar to that of the word güero in Mexico.
Ese chele te anda buscando.
That white guy is looking for you.
5. Cipote
Cipote is the Honduran equivalent to the Guatemalan patojo and the Mexican chamaco. It means “kid.” It’s mostly used by adults to get the attention of small kids.
Oye cipote, ayúdame a limpiar la mesa.
Hey kid, help me to clean the table.
Authorities
The next two words refer to the authorities in Honduras.
6. Chepos
Los chepos are the Honduran police.
Voy a llamar a los chepos.
I’m going to call the police.
7. Chafas
Don’t confuse this with the Mexican slang word used to talk about low-quality products. The chafas in Honduras are the armed forces.
Los chafas están para proteger al pueblo.
The armed forces exist to protect the people.
Shops
Now, let’s see a couple of Honduran slang words to refer to shops, stores, and small businesses.
8. Pulpería
La pulpería or simply la pulpe is a traditional corner store that can be found on every single street across the country.
Voy a la pulpe, ¿quieres algo?
I’m going to the shop, do you need anything?
9. Trucha
Literally meaning “trout,” in Honduras la trucha is another term to refer to the ubiquitous tienditas (small stores).
Si vas a la trucha, compra un litro de leche por favor.
If you’re going to the shop, get a liter of milk please.
Describing Words
The following words describe people and things. They also make reference to the quality of products.
10. Fresa
Fresa means “strawberry” in Spanish, but in Honduran slang it means “cool” or “nice.” However, if you’re talking about a person, then the meaning changes for “pretentious” or “posh.”
¡Qué fresas están tus zapatos!
Those are some cool shoes you have!
¿No te parece que Miguel es muy fresa?
Don’t you think Miguel is very pretentious?
11. Macizo
Macizo means “solid” in Spanish, but in Honduras you can use this word to say that something is great.
Me gusta tu computadora, está maciza ¿verdad?
I like your computer, it’s pretty good, right?
12. ¡Qué Pepsi!
I love this Honduran expression for its meaning, freshness, and obscure origins that I can only try to imagine. It literally means “how Pepsi!” but in Honduran slang it means something like “that’s cool!” or “awesome!” I’d really like to know who decided to use “Pepsi” instead of “Coca Cola” here.
– Aprobé el examen de español.
– ¡Qué Pepsi!
– I passed the Spanish test.
– That’s cool!
13. Yuca
Yuca expresses something that’s difficult. It can be either a strict person or a tough situation.
Mi maestro de español es muy yuca.
My Spanish teacher is very strict.
Miscellaneous
In this category I put together Honduran slang words that don’t fit into any of the other categories but are still relevant and widely used.
14. Pisto
While pisto in Mexico means “alcoholic drink”, in Honduras it translates to “money.”
No tengo nada de pisto.
I don’t have any money.
15. Pijin
This one comes quite handy when you’re in Honduras, as it means “party.”
Hay un pijin en casa de María, ¿quieres venir?
There’s a party at Maria’s house, do you want to come?
16. Cheque
Not to be confused with your payment check (which is also a cheque), in this context cheque means “yes,” “okay,” or “alright.”
– ¿Vas a venir a la fiesta mañana?
– ¡Cheque!
– Are you coming to the party tomorrow?
– Yes!
Practice Your Honduran Slang
By making an effort to learn slang from different countries, you dig into their cultures, and consequently get a better understanding of their use of Spanish. Plus, you’re now equipped with a bunch of Honduran slang words to use on your next trip to this Central American paradise.
Sign up for a free class to practice slang from Central America with one of our certified teachers from Guatemala, and impress them with your knowledge of Honduran slang!
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