This website uses cookies

Read our Privacy policy and Terms of use for more information.

Want this as a printable cheat sheet?
Download the Nicaraguan Slang PDF here 🇳🇮

Want to practice learning the words?
You can learn this list on Memrise here.


Nicaraguan Spanish is often referred to as:

Nica Spanish 🇳🇮

The accent is smooth, relaxed and very Central American in rhythm.

Like neighbouring countries:

  • Honduras 🇭🇳

  • El Salvador 🇸🇻

  • Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Nicaraguans commonly use:

vos

instead of:

You’ll also hear the final:

-s

sound softened or dropped in casual speech.

For example:

Gracias → Gracia

Nicaraguan slang, known as:

jerga nica

has influences from:

  • Nahuatl (Aztec language)

  • English

  • indigenous traditions

Nicaraguans also proudly refer to themselves as:

nicas

Let’s take a look at some of the most common expressions 👇

Tuanis = cool / awesome / nice

Probably the most iconic Nicaraguan slang word.

Also used heavily in:

Costa Rica 🇨🇷

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

e.j Todo tuanis
Everything’s cool

Maje = dude / guy / bro

Used constantly in Nicaragua and Honduras 😂

Can be:

  • friendly

  • playful

  • insulting

depending on tone.

e.j ¡Ey maje, vení!
Hey dude, come here!

Chele / Chela = light-skinned / blond person

Common nickname.

e.j Ese chele es mi amigo
That light-skinned guy is my friend

Chigüín / Chigüina = kid / little boy / little girl

Very affectionate.

e.j Los chigüines están jugando afuera
The kids are playing outside

Chiva = cool / awesome

Similar to:

tuanis

although:

tuanis

is more widely used in Nicaragua.

e.j Esa fiesta estuvo chiva
That party was awesome

Vergüenza ajena = secondhand embarrassment 😭

One of the greatest expressions in Spanish.

That feeling when:

  • someone embarrasses themselves

  • and YOU feel uncomfortable watching it 😂

e.j Me dio vergüenza ajena cuando cantó así
I got secondhand embarrassment when he sang like that

Puchica = darn! / damn! / oh man!

Classic Central American mild swear word.

e.j ¡Púchica, se me olvidó el teléfono!
Damn, I forgot my phone!

Bolo / Bola = drunk / wasted

Very common across Central America.

e.j Andaba bolo anoche
He was drunk last night

🇳🇮 Pinolero: A Word with Pride

Pinolero / Pinolera = Nicaraguan

This word comes from:

pinol

a traditional corn-based Nicaraguan drink 🇳🇮

Unlike:

nica

which is more casual,

pinolero

has a deeper emotional and cultural meaning.

You’ll hear it in:

  • speeches

  • songs

  • football chants

  • patriotic contexts

e.j Soy pinolero, con orgullo
I’m Nicaraguan, with pride

Deacachimba = awesome / incredible

Peak Nicaraguan slang 😂

e.j ¡Esa playa está deacachimba!
That beach is incredible!

Anda pal tigre = he’s wasted / out of it

Very visual expression 😭

e.j Después de tantas cervezas, anda pal tigre
After so many beers, he’s totally gone

🇳🇮 Final Thought

Remember:

  • use vos

  • call your mates maje

  • say tuanis a lot

  • and avoid getting (or not):

bolo 😂

Enjoy.

Any questions or ways I can support you on your Spanish journey let me know.

Check out free Youtube videos here.

Un abrazo,

Harrison

Language for living, not just learning.

Reply

Avatar

or to participate

Keep Reading