A young Cuban woman living in Venezuela has become a sensation on TikTok after sharing, with humor and no filters, an anecdote that has sparked laughter across the platform. Her story, told in the video titled "The Biggest Embarrassment of My Life", has already garnered over 1.3 million views and thousands of comments.
“I am Cuban and I live in Venezuela,” she begins to say in the video uploaded by the user @orejitajose34. She explains that although she received a brief course on words to avoid upon arriving in the country, the habit of saying “coger” for 23 years didn’t leave her when she stepped off the plane. “In Cuba, when we are running late, we say ‘I’m caught up with time.’ And often we say, ‘I can’t go because I’m caught up,’” she shares.
That was exactly the mistake she made. As she recounts, one day she was leaving her house late, crossing the parking lot of the building, when a Venezuelan friend shouted to her from a balcony: “Mili, come up!”. Without thinking, she responded at the top of her lungs: “I can’t because I’m busy!”. The reaction was immediate. “It was epic,” she says. “The birds stopped flying, the wind came to a halt, and the five guys who were fixing a car turned their heads at the same time. I was just standing there, pleading with God to suck me in, to swallow me whole.”
His confession not only sparked laughter but also a wave of solidarity and empathy in the comments. One user said, “Here we joke around from home to every last corner. It’s in our genes.” Another commented, “In Venezuela, there is no bullying, there is teasing.” Someone else pointed out, “If you had said ‘it’s tough that the gentleman is sucking me,’ then no one would be able to save you.” Others were more welcoming: “You are just another Venezuelan. Welcome to this land of jokesters.”
The story resonated with many migrants. Several Cubans living in Venezuela shared that even after years of residing there, they still encounter language hurdles. One user laughed as she said, “I’m Cuban too, I’ve been in Venezuela for 14 years and I still slip up occasionally. But Venezuela feels like my country; the people are very warm and friendly.” Others shared similar anecdotes from countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, or Colombia, where words like “jaba,” “coger,” or “arrech@” have also led to unforgettable misunderstandings.
The protagonist asserts that everything changed since that day. "It was the greatest sorrow of my life," she confesses in the video. "From then on, everyone knew me, everyone poked fun at me, greeting me with laughter. It was 100 years of teasing." However, she claims she doesn’t feel bad about what she went through. "I don’t get upset about anything because it made me stronger. Living in this Venezuelan society made me stronger. And I have many stories like that, even worse, but those are for another video."
This is not the first time content regarding the linguistic differences between Cubans and Venezuelans has gone viral. Last March, a Cuban woman and a Venezuelan woman starred in a clip that sparked debate by comparing words like “lechosa” and “fruta bomba”, “cholas” and “chancletas,” or “pantaleta” and “blumers.” In October, another video compared expressions like “carajito” and “fiñe”, which exploded with millions of views. The debate on whether “ahora” or “ahorita” mean the same thing or the exact opposite was also widely shared, revealing another layer of the eternal misunderstanding between the two cultures.
The video from @orejitajose34 stands out not only for the humor of the situation but also for the natural way in which the young woman shares an experience that many prefer to keep to themselves. Her testimony resonates because it reflects what thousands of migrants go through every day: adapting, making mistakes, laughing at themselves, and moving forward. In her own words: “Whatever you put in the comments, I won’t be upset. This made me stronger.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cubans Abroad
Why did the video of the Cuban in Venezuela go viral?
The video of the Cuban in Venezuela went viral because she shared a humorous anecdote about a linguistic misunderstanding between Cubans and Venezuelans, generating laughter and empathy among the viewers. Her use of the word "coger" in a different context than in Venezuela created a comedic moment that resonated with many migrants who have faced similar situations.
What are the most common linguistic differences between Cubans and Venezuelans?
The linguistic differences between Cubans and Venezuelans include the use of certain words and expressions that have different meanings in each country. Words like "coger," "jaba," and "arrech@" are examples of terms that can lead to confusion or misunderstandings between both cultures.
How does cultural shock affect Cubans when emigrating to other countries?
The cultural shock affects Cubans when they emigrate due to the differences in customs, language, and social expectations in the destination countries. Many experience moments of confusion and embarrassment, but they also find solidarity and support from similar communities, which eases their adaptation.
What role does humor play in the experiences of Cuban migrants?
Humor plays a crucial role in the experiences of Cuban migrants, as it allows them to cope with difficult situations and share anecdotes with a positive outlook. These humorous stories not only relieve stress but also connect the community and reflect the resilience of migrants.
Filed under:
