Between Neighbors and Expressions: The Experience of a Colombian Immigrant in the United States | Luigi Torres

Between Neighbors and Expressions: The Experience of a Colombian Immigrant in the United States | Luigi Torres

Between Neighbors and Expressions: The Experience of a Colombian Immigrant in the United States | Luigi Torres

agosto 29, 2025

The Gringo speaks Paisinglish..

Moving to another country always involves a cultural and linguistic shock. For Latinos, especially Colombians, life in the United States represents a challenge and, at the same time, an enriching experience. From adapting to the English language to dealing with cultural differences, every day brings new lessons. However, one of the most curious and fun parts of this experience is observing how Americans and other immigrants are interested in our expressions, our Colombian Spanish, and our unique ways of communicating.

In this article, I want to share my personal experiences as a Colombian living in the United States, focusing on how my neighbors and coworkers are fascinated by our way of speaking and how these small interactions reflect the cultural richness we carry with us.

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1. Curiosity About Colombian Expressions

1.1 Words that Arouse Interest

When talking to my American neighbors and coworkers, I notice a curious pattern: they are deeply fascinated by certain typical Colombian words or expressions. Some of the most frequently mentioned are:

• Parcero/a: A very common word in Medellín and other regions of Antioquia to refer to a close friend.
• Chimba / Chimbita: Expressions that appear frequently in reggaeton songs and that foreigners find very curious due to their sound and meaning.
• Ave María ome: A very typical phrase in everyday speech in Medellín, used as an exclamation or to emphasize something.
• Hijueputa / Gonorrhea: Although these words may sound offensive or strange to Americans, for us they have a much more colloquial and friendly meaning when used among friends.
• Mi Reina, Mi Amor, ¡Qué va! Sí habla Mierda.

1.2 The Fascination with the Local

These words spark interest not only because of their sound, but because they reflect the Colombian identity. Many foreigners ask me how and when we use these expressions, and some try to repeat them. It’s fun to see how they struggle to pronounce words like passion fruit or soursop, as they are not used to these sounds or vowel combinations typical of Latin American Spanish.

1.3 Casual Conversation with my Neighbor:

Me: Hey neighbor, good morning! 
Neighbor: Morning, parcero! 
Me: How are you?
Neighbor: I am chimba! 
Me: Ahh! ¡Bacano! 
Neighbor: Tú, ¿Q’hubo? Esa chimbita for tonight 
Me: Ahhh! Ush… a este paso, ese man va a aprender español antes que yo inglés 

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2. Cultural Interaction with Neighbors

2.1 Learn Spanish through Colombians

One of the most surprising experiences has been watching how some of our American neighbors try to learn Spanish through our expressions. They don’t just repeat individual words, but also seek to understand the contexts in which they are used, how they feel when they are pronounced, and what emotions they convey.

• Many locals find it funny that a word like gonorrhea, which they associate with a disease, has a completely different, colloquial meaning for us.
• This curiosity extends to gastronomy, such as when they try to name typical Colombian fruits: maracuyá, guanábana, lulo or curuba, which always generates laughter and funny comments.

2.2 The Surprise of Pronunciation

Hearing an American say words like «parcero» or «chimba» can be quite comical. Sometimes the pronunciation doesn’t make sense to us, but they’re proud to try, and this creates an interesting cultural bridge.

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3. The Challenges of the English Language

3.1 The Reality for Immigrants

While some Americans are enthusiastically learning Spanish, many Latinos still face challenges with English. Sometimes, a lack of motivation, resources, or simply a cultural barrier makes learning the language difficult. This can lead to awkward situations, such as being unable to fully communicate at work or with neighbors.

3.2 Impact of Policy on Language Education

Today, in 2025, we see how certain political decisions affect education and language learning. For example, in some parts of Latin America, it is promoted that learning English is not necessary, which can create disadvantages when immigrating to English-speaking countries. This is reflected in students who arrive in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or even some regions of Africa and are faced with the reality: they need to communicate in English to integrate and access better opportunities.

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4. Cultural Adaptation

4.1 Learning to Live Together and Teach our Culture

Living in the United States as a Colombian immigrant isn’t just about learning English, it’s also about sharing our culture. The expressions, music, cuisine, and socializing are all aspects that neighbors and coworkers value and appreciate.

• Teaching them words like «parcero,» «chimba,» or «hijueputa» becomes a cultural bridge.
• Explaining the context of these words helps break down misunderstandings and build rapport.

4.2 Humor as an Integration Tool

Colombian humor, full of colloquialisms and sarcasm, is a powerful tool for connecting. For example, when a neighbor tries to say «guanábana» and pronounces something completely different, the shared laughter strengthens the relationship and opens the door to new conversations and mutual learning.

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5. The Importance of Maintaining Identity

5.1 Not Losing our Roots

Despite the challenges of language and cultural adaptation, it’s essential to maintain our roots. Our speech, sayings, and expressions not only represent our identity but also connect us to our family, friends, and country.

• Words like chimba, parcero, and gonorrhea remind us of our childhood, youth, and culture.
• Sharing these expressions with foreigners allows our culture to expand and be appreciated.

5.2 Teach our Culture to other Immigrants

Furthermore, these lessons aren’t limited to Americans. Other Latino immigrants are also drawn to our expressions, generating a sense of community and belonging. Sharing our culture strengthens bonds among immigrants and helps us feel less alone in a foreign country.

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6. Fun and Curious Experiences

6.1 Everyday Situations

There are many everyday situations in which Colombian expressions generate interaction and fun:

• A neighbor trying to say «Maracuyá» and getting the pronunciation wrong.
• Coworkers surprised to hear «Hijueputa» in a casual conversation and asking if it’s a serious insult.
• Listening to Americans trying to sing reggaeton songs and repeating expressions like «chimbita» or «Ave Maria ome.»

6.2 Curiosity about Gastronomy

Another interesting aspect is how Colombian food sparks interest. The names of fruits, typical foods, and local dishes generate questions and laughter as they try to pronounce the names correctly. This becomes a space to teach and share our culture in a fun way.

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7. When My Gringo Neighbor Is Learning Spanish From Me 

Living as a Colombian immigrant in the United States is a process full of learning, challenges, and fun moments. Seeing how our neighbors and colleagues are interested in our expressions and culture reminds us of the richness of our identity.

Although learning English can be a challenge, the cultural exchange that occurs daily allows us to grow as individuals and as a community. The expressions, words, and sayings we bring from Colombia not only define us but also generate connections with others, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers.

At the end of the day, being an immigrant means adapting without losing our essence, sharing our culture, and learning from the diversity that surrounds us. From a colleague at work to a neighbor curious about our fruits, each interaction strengthens our journey and reminds us that, even if we are far from home, our culture is still with us.

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Hashtags

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