Like most Latin American countries where Spanish is spoken (all apart from Brasil), the variety of Spanish in Chile is different to that found in Spain. Chileans have a way with words and some would say a different way of expressing their thoughts. A slang has developed that is forever evolving, more so with each new generation. So 'Chilenismos' as you might call them build up over time with more and more included in the national vocabulary.

Here are some examples of what we mean!

So, to say "Que plancha!" literally translates as "What an iron" but it really means "How embarrasing!" Or, "Estoy pato", translated literally means "I am a duck" but of course the real meaning is somewhat different. It means "I have no money" or "I'm skint!".

These slang terms and phrases bring a bit of colour to Chilean language and arguably give an extra identity to Chilean people.
It might be that some Chileans use it to sound cool but really it's part of the Chilean DNA, encrypted in the culture.

Here's a few Chilenismos to get you started!

If you are insterested in lerning more "chilenismos" Prof.  Jaime Campusano has written a book about it! Check out his website.