20 Rare Expressions Used by Cubans

If there’s one thing that cannot be disputed about the peculiar Cuban vernacular, it is the ingenuity and humor that give rise to it. Not only does this result in incredibly funny phrases and proverbs that enrich the popular slang of the island, but it also reflects a philosophy of life and an attitude toward challenges—elements that beautifully shape the cultural landscape that defines Cuban identity.

That said, here are 20 of the most popular phrases that you can easily hear while walking down any street in Cuba:

1. Rodríguez served!

It’s a humorous blend of the word “served” and the name of the renowned Cuban troubadour Silvio Rodríguez. It’s used to express enthusiasm for a well-planned event or for arranging a meeting with friends, and can be replaced with “played.” “Are we meeting tomorrow night?” “Perfect, Served Rodríguez!”

2. You are in the fabric.

It is used among friends to highlight the critical physical or intellectual condition of another person. It can be synonymous with "you've lost a lot of weight" or "you're not very sharp" when someone is struggling with a task. If you have a friend in Cuba who has lost a significant amount of weight since you last saw them, feel free to warn them: "Take care, you’re in the fabric." This expression is derived from an older one, "you’re in the fire," and can be seen as a modification made by the current generation.

3. To give the frog.

This term has two almost opposite meanings: it can be used as a synonym for getting upset, scolding, or venting your anger on someone else, or, on the other hand, for having a good time and sharing moments with friends. When you go to Cuba, you can "give the berro" at the Malecón with your buddies or complain because "you got the berro" at a paladar for smoking indoors.

4. To go to the U.S.

Its literal meaning is to travel to the U.S., but it has recently been used synonymously to refer to traveling abroad, regardless of the country. The term "yuma" is also used as an endearing demonym for Americans.

5. Take a bottle

If you are in Cuba, the cheapest and easiest option for getting from one part of the city to another is to "catch a ride" or ask for a lift. This involves standing at a busy traffic light and approaching drivers to request a free ride, but only in state-owned vehicles, as almost all private cars are taxis. Sometimes, catching a ride can save you a few blocks, but it is very likely to drop you off right at your home or workplace.

6. Throw a rope.

It's not about throwing a lit cigarette butt at someone; rather, it's quite the opposite. This expression simply means to help a neighbor. You can lend a hand to your friend during a move, during an exam, or while babysitting. If you find yourself in Cuba with a flat tire, you can approach the first Cuban who passes by and say, "Hey, please give me a hand with the car," and surely more than one passerby will offer to help you. This term comes from nautical or seafaring slang, which has a strong presence in Cuban speech.

7. To go fishing

If you have Cuban friends, they have probably shared stories about how they got caught "fishing" at work or in the classroom. It means taking a little time for a quick nap and resting your eyes.

8. To be stunned

Similar to not having a dime, not having a place to drop dead, or not having anywhere to tie up the goat. Its use is often associated with the gesture of checking one's pockets with a worried grimace. It is used to describe someone in a precarious financial situation.

9. You are a point.

It is a derogatory adjective. In Cuba, it is used to refer to a very naïve person, someone who is easily deceived without realizing it, as well as to cases where someone is a victim of infidelity or to refer to extremely noble individuals.

10. I am going to click.

“Today I have work” or “I’m going to work” are some of the other derived expressions, with “work” being synonymous with pincha and “to work” as the corresponding verb. It is used regardless of the sector, activity, or trade. Whether you’re a bus driver, writer, teacher, or matchstick seller, you go to work every day.

11. Jumping off a moving bus

It is to take risks, to seize the opportunity, to act recklessly without thinking twice, to make a hasty decision without consulting anyone—these are some of the guiding principles that characterize the life philosophy of the Cuban people.

12. To have a girlfriend

It refers to starting a relationship with a woman, having a girlfriend, or a romantic partner. It is also regarded as a colloquial or street slang term.

13. That size is too small.

It’s hard for a Cuban to say “forget about it” or “don’t insist, you won’t get anywhere.” Instead, they’ll impart a life lesson: “give up that size; it doesn’t suit you.”

14. You left me at Blanco and Trocadero.

It comes from the most universal phrase "you left me blank," which refers to when someone asks you a question or tells you something of which you had no inkling. However, this Cuban version adds the name of a popular intersection in Havana.

15. Don't give me any more lip.

In Cuban Spanish, “muela” refers to chatter or empty talk used to avoid a topic, as well as weak excuses or justifications to reject a proposal. It is also used to describe the act of excessive conversation; “dar tremenda muela” means to engage in a very lengthy conversation.

I'm off to the mall.

Like many words or phrases used in today’s Cuba, this one comes from a musical theme. Sung by the reggaeton group Kola Loka a few years ago, the hit that chanted “la niña anda a la My Love” has become a lasting synonym for being relaxed and carefree. It also means to be naked.

17. I'm going down or I'm falling.

It is the typical farewell of Cubans, used at any time of day to signal that we are leaving a place, often accompanied by a hug or a handshake.

18Do you comb your hair or do you roll it up?

You can ask someone this question when their intentions are not clear, their actions are inconsistent, or when they seem uncertain. There's also the version: "Are you with the Indians or with the cowboys?"

19. What's up, buddy?

“Qué bolá” is the number one greeting among Cubans, equivalent to the Anglo-Saxon "What's Up?". Depending on the word that follows, it is considered more or less vulgar; for example, "asere" is used by the majority, while "ambia," "monina," or "consorte" are more typical of the street.

20. Wow!

This very small expression is perhaps the most commonly used by Cubans and has the most meanings, making it complicated to translate. It is used to convey both astonishment and indignation or resignation. You may hear it paired with other expressions like: "Ñó, de madre"; or "ñó, pa' su madre."

Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Expressions