The young Cuban tiktoker Alejandro Buján has once again captivated the online audience with one of his usual videos about the curiosities or peculiarities of the Spanish language spoken on the island. This time, he delved into "Cuban food expressions" that "have everything to do with anything but food."
Buján starts by discussing the challenging task of explaining to "a gringo" that the word "guayaba" not only refers to the fruit but also to a lie. Moreover, he explains that "if you are a 'guayabero,' it doesn't mean you love guavas; it means you are a huge liar," highlighting the difference between the literal and figurative uses of the word.
Another expression he mentions is "mango," which in Cuba is used to describe a very attractive person. Buján illustrates how the phrase "tremendo mango" is used to refer to someone who is physically attractive.
In his video, the young influencer also addresses the use of "ñame," which, although it refers to a type of tuber, is used in Cuban slang to describe a clumsy or unintelligent person.
"Boniato" is another term he included in his list. Besides being a type of sweet potato, it is used to describe a situation when someone stumbles, implying that a sweet potato is pulled up, not planted.
Other phrases he included are "meterle a alguien un pan con yuca" (to trick someone) or being a "chupa tamarindo" (a sycophant), which added to the interesting, fresh, and entertaining nature of his video, capturing the hearts of internet users.
Understanding Cuban Food Expressions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the unique food expressions used in Cuban Spanish, as explained by Alejandro Buján.
What does "guayaba" mean in Cuban slang?
In Cuban slang, "guayaba" can refer to a lie, and calling someone a "guayabero" means they are a liar, not a lover of guavas.
How is the word "mango" used in Cuban expressions?
In Cuban expressions, "mango" is used to describe a very attractive person. For example, "tremendo mango" refers to someone who is extremely good-looking.
What does "ñame" signify in Cuban slang?
Although "ñame" is a type of tuber, in Cuban slang it is used to describe a person who is clumsy or not very intelligent.
What is the meaning of "meterle a alguien un pan con yuca"?
The phrase "meterle a alguien un pan con yuca" means to trick or deceive someone.