Language Lessons

ZTAMiami · #1 06-21-2002, 10:32 AM

I'm first generation Cuban-American and many Cubans have a tendency to speak Spanglish. It may not be too funny to non-Spanish speakers but some of the things we half-ass translate are hilarious.

Ex:

Chanks- short for chancletas, which means flip-flops, slippers etc., everone in my chapter, Latina or not, knows what this means.

Anyone want to share funny non-English slang words?

I'll try and think some more up!

LeslieAGD · #2 06-21-2002, 11:07 AM

I too am a first-gen Cuban-American and I totally feel you on the Spanglish!

My favorite is:
un-afortunadamente for unfortunately instead of saying desgraciadamente

ZTAMiami · #3 06-21-2002, 11:23 AM

Leslie: LOL, that is true!

Heres more:

beepeame, faxeame-- this means beep me, fax me but are totally grammatically incorret

"llamame pa' tras" we say this meaning call me back, but in Spanish back means back as in behind and NOT return. It should be "devuelveme la llamada" -return my call.

lifesaver · #4 06-21-2002, 11:59 AM

We have lots of tex-mex words here in South Texas.

One thats on the top of my head right now is gacho. Menas bad or ugly. Ex. - Dude, did you see that wreck? Yeah man it was gacho.

We also use chanklas.

Eirene_DGP · #5 06-21-2002, 02:12 PM

I am not Latina, but I do speak Spanish and I often catch myself speaking spanglish with my friends. We lived in Mexico for a little while off and on and I picked up a lot.

ZTA Miami, funny you mentioned Chancletas, we all know the second use of those. lol

lifesaver · #6 06-21-2002, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eirene_DGP

ZTA Miami, funny you mentioned Chancletas, we all know the second use of those. lol

Yeah, youre latino/a or at least honorary if youve ever been smacked by one. hahah. lol

SATX*APhi · #7 06-21-2002, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ZTAMiami

"llamame pa' tras" we say this meaning call me back, but in Spanish back means back as in behind and NOT return.

I have family in Mexico and one time while we were down visiting, I told my aunt, "Hablale pa' tras" asking her to call someone back. She had no idea what the heck I was saying. When my mom explained to her what I was saying, she laughed soooo hard!!

LeslieAGD · #8 06-21-2002, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lifesaver
Yeah, youre latino/a or at least honorary if you've ever been smacked by one. hahah. lol

This is really, way off topic, but your comment reminded me of the ex-HBO show Latino Comedy Slam. I still remember one of the comedians making a joke about it. Does anyone remember this show?

"llamame pa' tras" is great...I think all hispanics/latinos have said it at one time or another!