Colombia may have come into your consciousness through Netflix’s hit show Narcos or from Cartagena’s vibrant gay scene in Cartagena; or perhaps they piqued your curiosity as one of the leading LGBT travel destinations globally due to an ugly civil war and drug trade, yet there’s much more than that! Recently Colombia was awarded South America’s Leading LGBT Destination by tourism authorities – fast becoming a leading tourist spot!
Colombia is considered to be one of the most progressive nations in Latin America when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, legalizing homosexuality since 1981 and passing same-sex marriage legislation in 2016 (along with antidiscrimination laws). Yet there remains some homophobia outside major cities due to Colombia’s machismo culture – rural areas can still experience it from time to time.
Bogotano refers to any individual from Bogota. These people tend to be arrogant, egotistical and aggressive people who do not take well when told they cannot have something.
Rumbiando (Spanish for “partying”) is an expression used to indicate an evening spent partying. The word comes from rumbia music and dance style, and also describes crafty, conniving characters such as those involved with Colombia’s Sapo system – which acts like an anonymous informant; additionally there’s even tinto coffee, where half the milk has been removed to produce bitter coffee flavour.
Use these Colombian slang expressions in your vocabulary to sound more authentic and blend better with Colombian friends. Incorporating more of their humor and cultural traits will also help you better appreciate Colombians as people.