Vocabulario

Pasear – to go visiting to people’s houses.  Usually done in the mornings or early evenings, it is a way to introduce yourself to the community, learn gossip and be teased.

Bochinche – Gossip.  Can have a shred of truth or be completely fabricated.  Very rarely ill-willed, but often very entertaining.  The Peace Corps Volunteers, as well, have their own, quickly spreading bochinche.

Peace Corps Goggles – what PCVs call it when the lower standards to hook up within the Peace Corps.  Could occur because someone is located conveniently, isn’t ugly, or it’s just been a really long time.

Peace Corps Excuse – saying, “it’s against Peace Corps regulations,” or “Peace Corps makes me do this” when you either want to do something or don’t want to do something.  Basically, using Peace Corps as an excuse/explanation to do your own thing.

Cochino -  What Sally’s first host family calls me.  Showering is a cultural regularity here, happening at least once, often twice a day.  If you shower once every day and a half, as I do, you’re considered dirty.  At least my host family doesn’t make comments, they just make showers available whenever I show interest.

Mami/Papi – the nickname people get.  The closest thing is baby or sweetie, but there’s no “real” translation.  It’s what I’m called basically every day by everyone in my family.

Stoopid Chikin – Technically a Hawaiian phrase, but I think it applies here.  Roosters are prevalent, loud and pretty obnoxious.  Starting from around 4:30-5 until the sun goes down, they’re making noise and letting you know they’re right there.  Just kidding, it doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.  I’ve thrown so many things at roosters.

Finca – Farm.  Finca sounds cooler.

Chicha – fruit drink with a lot of sugar added.  It can either be natural (from the excess limones or naranjas on someone’s patio), or it can be from powder.  Like kool-aid.  They also make chicha from rice water.  When you boil rice for too long and the water becomes milky white?  Add a lot of sugar and some evaporated milk, then throw it in a blender.  These chichas are enhanced when the rice is boiled with some sort of fruit, like coconut or pineapple.  Arroz con piña chicha is the best.

Duros – Imagine the best hot weather popsicle you can think of, and make it ten times better.  A duro is, simply, frozen chicha with even more sugar.  They can be fruit or powder chichas, but the best ones are made with milk.  Come visit me.  I’ll educate you further.

Dale - Pronounced da-le.  Means "give it," "do it," "go on," "okay," and many more.  The quintessential "go for it" or agreement word.

Site Rat - A volunteer who spends the majority of his or her time in site.

The Gringo Tax - When a cab driver, tour guide, or hotel owner thinks that because you are clearly foreign, he can add a few dollars to your tab and you won't notice.  Be careful when pointing this out - they get defensive and you might end up in a police station.  Don't worry, however, the police will likely take your side.