The language also has an accent, rhythm and personality. And in Andalusia, speaking is an art. The Andalusian expressions are full of salt shaker, humour and carry with them a unique way of seeing life.
If you are learning Spanish, or simply want to better understand what is being said on a terrace on the Costa del Sol, this post is for you. Let's get down to business!
Andalusian expressions: learning Spanish with a salt shaker
Speaking Andalusian is not just about using different words, it's about feeling how they sound, how they are lived. Here Spanish is spoken with the heart and a lot of art.
Knowing the Andalusian vocabulary will help you better understand everyday conversations and enjoy your experience in the south even more.
Andalusian words that you will hear everywhere
- Sieso: unfriendly or unfunny person. "Don't be sieso, we're celebrating."
- Arsa: exclamation of encouragement or enthusiasm. "Arsa, it's already Friday!"
- Ojú: expression of surprise, fright or resignation. "Oh, what a blast!"
- Quillo / Quilla: colloquial form of vocative. "Quillo, come home now."
- Mijita / Mijilla: a small amount. "I just want a little bit of tortilla."
- Leverage: comfortable, unwilling to move from the place or state in which it is. "He's been prying on the couch since yesterday."
- Child: child or young person. "Kid, be careful!"
- Illo: short version of "chiquillo". It is used as a vocative "¡Illo, espabila ya!"
- Mangar / Esmangar: to steal. "They have snatched my bag in a mistake."
- Stiff: without money. "I'm stiff until the end of the month." It is also a colloquial way of dead or deceased.
- Bulla: "Don't make a fuss, there's still an hour to go."
- Fatigue: embarrassment, shyness. "It makes me tired to start speaking in public."
- Merdellón: rude and rude person. "I don't like to see you in the streets screaming."
- Pechá: A lot, a lot. "It's been a few years since I've seen my uncles in Valencia."
- Perita: great, great. "The decoration of the room has been very good for you".
- Vieo / Viea: old / old. Vocational, usually accompanied by complaint or surprise. "Don't see, you see, the beating your friend is giving me with the car paperwork."
Andalusian phrases that can only be understood here
- "Está más perdío que el barco del arroz": very absent-minded or disoriented. It is also used when someone appears after a long time.
- "Hace un frío que pela": it's very cold.
- "Te voy a dar una jartá de besos": a lot of kisses.
- "Está como una cabra": he's a little crazy.
- "Más pesao que una vaca en brazos": very insistent or burdensome.
- "Tú ere mas apañao que las pesetas": it is said of someone resolute and friendly.
Learning Spanish with grace: what they don't teach you in class
These kinds of funny Spanish words and idioms don't appear in books, but they're the ones that are actually used on the street. Learning them is essential to speak fluently and connect with Andalusians. And here, even to greet there is a style: "What's up, my weapon!", "How long, mate!".
The Costa del Sol is an ideal place to learn Spanish naturally. Between tapas, beach and good atmosphere, the language sneaks into every conversation, with that mixture of accents and expressions that make Andalusia such a special place.
And if you liked this tour of Andalusian speech, don't miss the Malaga expressions: another festival of phrases with a lot of art.
On the Costa del Sol, language is lived
Learning Spanish in Andalusia is learning it with flavour, rhythm and proximity.
Andalusian expressions are much more than rare words: they are living culture. So now you know, if you are thinking of improving your Spanish, come to the Costa del Sol.
Between laughter, good people and unforgettable phrases, you will learn without realizing it. Arsa and olé!
