Pablo and Gonzalo arrive in Panama

One of the most versatile words in Colombian informal speech. Can express admiration ('that's impressive'), difficulty ('this is really hard'), or frustration. Tone and context determine meaning entirely. Literal meaning is a male pig, but that sense is absent in everyday use.

In standard Spanish 'aguantar' means to endure or tolerate. In Colombian informal speech it is also used to mean 'that's doable', 'that works', or 'you could do that', a completely different nuance that easily confuses learners who expect the endurance meaning.

Direct equivalent of the English idiom 'hot potato'. Used to describe a risky situation, person, or piece of information that someone wants to get rid of quickly because handling it is dangerous.

In Colombian slang, 'perico' commonly refers to cocaine. Unrelated to its other meaning (parakeet the bird, or a style of scrambled eggs with onion and tomato in some regions). Context always disambiguates.

Literally refers to an animal with a cut or short tail. Colloquially used in Colombia to describe someone who is annoyed, touchy, or acting difficult. Often used humorously.

Augmentative of 'cagada' (a mess or screw-up). Used to emphasize the scale of a blunder or disaster. Very common in informal speech to express that something would be or was a serious mistake.

Literally 'batteries'. Used as an interjection to warn someone to be alert or careful. Can also mean 'sharp' or 'clever' as an adjective ('es muy pilas' = 'he's very sharp'). Extremely common across all ages in Colombia.

In Colombian journalism slang, 'chiva' means an exclusive or breaking news story that a reporter gets before anyone else. The word has other meanings elsewhere (a type of rural bus, or a goat) but in a newsroom context this journalistic sense is standard.