Granada Slang: Words and Expressions (1)

Speaking «granaíno» (the Granada way of speaking) is no easy task, because we have a rather peculiar language of our own. We won’t go into technicalities, word origins or anything too complicated; we’ll simply put together a short collection of Granada words and expressions, with their definitions, to make «granaíno» a little more accessible for everyone.

Two things need saying before we start. First, don’t run a spellchecker over this post or your computer or phone might explode. Second, there are some words even we don’t know how to spell.

One more note: «granaíno» comes in a few varieties, since some expressions are used in one neighbourhood and not another, and some words can mean one thing or another… «Lavin» que «follaero» (good grief, what a mess) — we’d better get started and take it as it comes.

We’ve sorted the expressions into 3 categories:

• Kicks to the dictionary. Some words, whether through mispronunciation or to save a few letters, have been reshaped while probably keeping the same meaning. Sometimes they are genuine linguistic monstrosities, although most of them have a very particular charm. Either way, there’s no denying they are real kicks to the dictionary.

• Changes of meaning. Sometimes a word starts out with one meaning and ends up with a completely different one. We don’t know quite how these words go through this change of meaning, but we do know they enter our vocabulary to stay, surviving the passing of time and generations.

• Home-grown. Granada’s vocabulary is so rich that it includes words you won’t find in any official dictionary. These home-grown words pop up in every conversation between friends, every explanation a mother gives her child, every business meeting and, in short, in the everyday lives of our beloved neighbours.

The words

Aes

Very common as a tag at the end of a sentence, it comes from the ordinary «¿sabes?» (you know?) and means exactly the same. Sometimes extra s’s are added at the end for emphasis. There is a variant, «abes». Linguistically speaking, it probably adds nothing at all.

Estoy reventaico, aes. -> I’m shattered, you know?

No veas que gachí, abessssss. -> A really pretty girl just walked past.

Fóh

A very versatile interjection with several meanings, such as annoyance or dislike, a bit like “ugh”.

¡Fóh! Hoy tocan lentejas. -> I don’t like lentils (and it’s lentils today).

El graná ha perdido, fóh. -> Granada CF have lost, and that’s bad news for their season.

Bonico

This word has several meanings. To begin with, it replaces «bonito» (pretty, lovely) and means the same. It is also used to mean crafty, clever or sharp.

¡Lavín que bonico! -> Wow, how lovely!

Te has quedado el pionono más grande, ¡qué bonico eres! -> You took the biggest cake, you crafty thing.

Apollardao

An adjective for someone who has made a mistake or has been doing something the wrong way: dozy, not with it.

¡Quillo que te lo cargas!, ¡Estás apollardao!. -> Careful, that’s not how you do it, you’re not paying attention.

Compae

Clearly a shortened form of «compadre» (pal, mate), used mainly to address the person you’re talking to.

Hola compae. -> Hi mate.

Fatiga

The word «fatiga» can mean feeling uneasy or squeamish about something, but here it simply means embarrassment: either the embarrassment someone feels or the embarrassment they cause others.

¡Qué fatiga metes! -> You’re so embarrassing!

Lavín

Another interjection from our part of the world, expressing amazement. You may also hear the variant «lavíen». Its origin seems clear: it’s a contraction of the exclamation «¡La Virgen!» (Holy Mother!). It’s often combined with words like «compae» or «vieo» for extra emphasis.

¡Lavíen! ¡Ese coche ha pasado muy rápido! -> Whoa! That car went past really fast!

¡Lavín compae! -> Something amazing just happened.

Volá

A shortened form of «volada», but with a different meaning: it means quickly, in a flash.

Eso te lo hago yo en una volá. -> I can get that done for you in no time.

Lache

Another word for embarrassment, used much like «fatiga».

Que lache metes. -> You’re so embarrassing.

There’s much more to explain, but we think this is a great start. Later on we’ll gather more Granada words and expressions and keep expanding the dictionary, until we have a complete guide to how people speak in Granada.

Want more? Carry on with the second part of Granada words and expressions.

If you can think of a word we’ve missed, drop us a line and we’ll add it.