Honduran Slang
I've put together a list of some common Honduran slang that I've learned from my time living here. Although some of these words/phrases aren't solely used in Honduras, they are used very frequently.
Catracho/a
A Catracho/a is the term used to denote a Honduran born person. People refer to themselves as Catrochos in the same way that I refer to myself as American.
Cheque
Cheque is a super generic term used to check-in with people. It kind of translates to saying o.k or giving someone a thumbs-up. Even with its high versatility, I probably overuse it.
Churro
Most people immediately think of the fried dough sticks that are covered in sugar. While those are the Churros that I'm used to, they have a different meaning here. It's simply the most generic word for any 'snack'.
Codo
When codo is translated literally, it means 'elbow'. However, if someone calls you un codo, they aren't saying you are an 'elbow'. Instead, they are calling you stingy, a penny-pincher, or a Scrooge.
Gringa/a
I have embodied the Gringa life since moving to Honduras. This is a generic adjective to describe English speaking females. Since I'm non-Hispanic, English speaker living in Honduras, I am 100% a gringa.
Jalon
Jalon means a car ride. Plain and simple.
Maje
Maje is 100% Honduran slang that has no direct translation to English. It translates best to mean 'dude' in English or Guey in Mexican slang. This is one of those words that is really only used with best friends since it can be considered derogatory if used in other contexts.
Plata
This word is slang for 'money'. But it's generally used in a similar context where you would say 'dough', 'moolah', et.
Pulperia & Panaderia
I get alot of enjoyment out of using these words because they involve food. A Pulperia is most similar to a small convenience store. It generally has drinks, churros, and the most random items you could imagine. I've seen pulperias have tamales, phone chargers, OTC pain medicine, phone credit, necklaces, canned goods, produce, etc.
Similarly, a panaderia is the word for a bakery. These 'bakeries' generally sell breads, sweets, candies, tortillas, and other miscellaneous baked goods.
Que Pedo
This is another phrase that doesn't translate well into English. If translating directly, it means 'what fart'. However, this is a common greeting that you would use with friends to ask what's up or how's it going. Some people have told me that only guys use this phrase while others have said younger people use this phrase.
Gringacha*
This word has affectionately been applied to gringas who have lived in the country long enough where they are honorary Catrachas. As of now, only close friends and coworkers use this endearing term. Truth be told, I really like it!
**I'll continue to update this list as I learn new words and phrases
Catracho/a
A Catracho/a is the term used to denote a Honduran born person. People refer to themselves as Catrochos in the same way that I refer to myself as American.
Cheque
Cheque is a super generic term used to check-in with people. It kind of translates to saying o.k or giving someone a thumbs-up. Even with its high versatility, I probably overuse it.
Churro
Most people immediately think of the fried dough sticks that are covered in sugar. While those are the Churros that I'm used to, they have a different meaning here. It's simply the most generic word for any 'snack'.
Codo
When codo is translated literally, it means 'elbow'. However, if someone calls you un codo, they aren't saying you are an 'elbow'. Instead, they are calling you stingy, a penny-pincher, or a Scrooge.
Gringa/a
I have embodied the Gringa life since moving to Honduras. This is a generic adjective to describe English speaking females. Since I'm non-Hispanic, English speaker living in Honduras, I am 100% a gringa.
Jalon
Jalon means a car ride. Plain and simple.
Maje
Maje is 100% Honduran slang that has no direct translation to English. It translates best to mean 'dude' in English or Guey in Mexican slang. This is one of those words that is really only used with best friends since it can be considered derogatory if used in other contexts.
Plata
This word is slang for 'money'. But it's generally used in a similar context where you would say 'dough', 'moolah', et.
Pulperia & Panaderia
I get alot of enjoyment out of using these words because they involve food. A Pulperia is most similar to a small convenience store. It generally has drinks, churros, and the most random items you could imagine. I've seen pulperias have tamales, phone chargers, OTC pain medicine, phone credit, necklaces, canned goods, produce, etc.
Similarly, a panaderia is the word for a bakery. These 'bakeries' generally sell breads, sweets, candies, tortillas, and other miscellaneous baked goods.
Que Pedo
This is another phrase that doesn't translate well into English. If translating directly, it means 'what fart'. However, this is a common greeting that you would use with friends to ask what's up or how's it going. Some people have told me that only guys use this phrase while others have said younger people use this phrase.
Gringacha*
This word has affectionately been applied to gringas who have lived in the country long enough where they are honorary Catrachas. As of now, only close friends and coworkers use this endearing term. Truth be told, I really like it!
**I'll continue to update this list as I learn new words and phrases
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