Language Games with Molly pt. 1

So part of being a foreigner in a country (especially one with a different language), is sounding dumb and messing words up a lot…. but sometimes I can hardly blame myself when so many words sound so similar!! I’m going to teach you 4 words that are common here and how they could trip up a gringa like me…. guaro, guasca, guaracha, garrucha 

Guaro- the treasured trago (liquor) of this country, Aguardiente Antioqueño. I love saying I hate guaro (as we lovingly call it), but let’s be real…. I’ve consumed my fair share of this licorice-tasting liquor. There’s really no comparing it to anything else…. you just have to come and try it! It’s for sure the most popular drink here closely followed by rum but guaro is a source of Colombian pride and more than just a drink….. a cultural symbol.

Guasca- Guasca is suuuuper typical Colombian music. It’s campesino (farmer) music played by guys with guitars singing their hearts out… you have to check out the link! The lyrics are known to be funny and include Colombian references that I don’t get 🙂 This is really really Colombian music guys, check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZTdc1hz3ogi

Guaracha- Guaracha is another type of music. After investigating I found out it is the name of a Cuban style of music that is traditional but I’m not talking about that guaracha….. in Colombia guaracha is electronic music that’s super popular in clubs. It’s a specific type of electronic though that I can’t just describe…. you must listen- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_GX1HNY_pg

La Garrucha- Garrucha has multiple meanings (like SO many words in Spanish) but I am referring to a cable car in Jardin. It’s a typical tourist site as well as a necessary form of transportation for people who live on that side of the mountain. It’s over 150 years old and as you can see, provides riders with a great view!! Imagine taking this to work everyday…. 

Thanks for reading! I’m going to try to do at least one post a week having to do with language here because it’s fascinating how much I CONTINUE to learn. The great thing about Spanish is that it’s so different between countries and even within a country. There is so much funny Paisa (the locals of Antioquia) slang left to share with you guys!