Want this as a printable cheat sheet?
Download the Peruvian Slang PDF here 🇸🇻

Want to practice learning the words?
Learn this list of Salvadoran Slang Here.


Salvadoran Spanish is fast-paced, expressive and packed with local slang 🇸🇻

This slang is often referred to as:

El Salvador shares similarities with:

but still has its own unique rhythm and personality.

One thing you’ll notice quickly is that Salvadorans use:

instead of:

So instead of:

you’ll hear:

Salvadorans also often drop the final:

sound in casual speech.

For example:

Another interesting thing about El Salvador is how dramatically the country has transformed over recent years.

Once considered one of the most dangerous places on earth, it’s now rapidly becoming one of the safest and fastest-changing countries in Latin America.

I haven’t actually met anyone from El Salvador yet 🤯

But here’s some caliche I’ve collected from various sources 👇

Very common response word.

e.j Nos vemos mañana. — ¡Va!
See you tomorrow. — Okay!

A friendly conversational closer.

e.j ¡Vaya pues, cuídese!
Alright then, take care!

Apparently used constantly in El Salvador.

e.j ¡Qué chivo tu camisa!
Your shirt is awesome!

Common way to refer to children or young people.

e.j El cipote está jugando fútbol
The boy is playing football

A softer exclamation instead of swearing.

Sounds similar to:

in Chilean Spanish 🇨🇱

e.j ¡Púchica, qué calor!
Damn, it’s hot!

Also used in:

e.j No tengo pisto
I don’t have money

Usually playful rather than insulting.

e.j ¡Sos bien bayunco!
You’re so goofy!

One of those super flexible words 😂

Like:

it can basically mean:

e.j Pásame ese bolado
Pass me that thing

Can describe:

e.j ¡Andá trucha con tu mochila!
Be careful with your backpack!

e.j Ese cipote es bien trucha
That kid’s really smart

Very strong compliment 😅

e.j Esa playa está vergona
That beach is amazing

e.j Tu carro está bien vergón
Your car’s awesome

Common Central American word for dog.

e.j Mi chucho se llama Max
My dog’s called Max

Very expressive reaction phrase.

e.j ¿Vas a trabajar el domingo? — ¡Nombre!
You’re working Sunday? — No way!

Because Salvadorans use:

their commands sound different too 👇

e.j Andá a la tienda
Go to the shop

e.j Vení rápido
Come quickly

e.j Decime la verdad
Tell me the truth

Very common across Central America.

e.j Estoy chambeando
I’m working

Usually descriptive rather than offensive.

e.j El chele está en la tienda
The light-skinned guy is in the shop

Learning just a few words of:

instantly helps you connect more naturally with Salvadorans.

So remember:

Enjoy.

Check out free Spanish Videos Here.

Un abrazo,
Harrison


Language for living, not just learning.