Want this as a printable cheat sheet?
Download the Panamanian Slang PDF here 🇵🇦

Want to practice learning the words?
Learn this list of Panamanian Slang here.


Panamanian Spanish is energetic, expressive and heavily influenced by:

You’ll hear:

Like many Latin American countries, Panamanians often drop the final:

sound when speaking casually.

For example:

Panamanian slang is known as:

And honestly?

It has loads of personality.

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

This is the classic Panamanian greeting.

It’s basically:

said backwards in a playful way 😭

e.j ¿Qué sopa, man?
What’s up, man?

This comes directly from the English word:

You’ll hear it constantly.

e.j ¿Qué sopa, fren?
What’s up, bro?

One of the most useful words in Latin America 😂

Depending on tone, it can mean:

e.j Esa vaina está difícil
That thing/situation is tough

e.j ¡Qué vaina!
What a pain!

Someone flashy who likes:

e.j Ese man es taquilla
That guy’s such a show-off

Classic reaction phrase.

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

Similar to:

in standard Spanish.

e.j Metí una pifia en el examen
I messed up on the exam

Very common everyday word.

e.j Ese pelado es buena gente
That guy’s a good person

Directly borrowed from English.

You’ll hear:

all the time in Panama 🇵🇦

e.j Oye, man, ven acá
Hey dude, come here

Very expressive exclamations 😂

e.j ¡Chuzo, se me cayó el teléfono!
Damn, I dropped my phone!

Interesting one 👀

is also the name of a music genre in Panama.

e.j ¿Supiste la plena?
Did you hear the gossip?

Similar to:

used elsewhere in Central America.

e.j Ese man fula es de Inglaterra
That white guy is from England

Literal translation:

Spanish slang never disappoints.

e.j Ella siempre tira caspa
She’s always acting stuck-up

Panamanians use a lot of relaxed expressions.

e.j Todo relax, fren
Everything’s chill, bro

Panamanian Spanish feels:

And learning just a few phrases from:

helps you instantly sound more natural with locals.

So remember:

Anything I can do to support you on your Spanish journey, ping me a message.

You can watch some free grammar videos here.

Un abrazo,

Harrison

Language for living, not just learning.