In this article we are going to mention the funniest Canarian expressions according to our point of view. We have already written about some Canarian words and now it’s time to list the most unique Canarian phrases. That is to say, those that only a canary would say and that, at the same time, are fun. If you already know them all, you are more Canarian than the gofio 🙂 if not, take a look the following lines.
Canarian expressions and / or Canarian phrases
As you may know, the canary is not just an adjective and a demonym, it is a variant of Spanish that is spoken in the Canary Islands. That is to say, it is our dialect, as we can not call it language. If you understand a little Spanish, you have to know that in the Canary Islands, we say “ustedes” instead of “vosotros” referring to the 2nd person plural. Very few times you will hear a canary saying the pronoun “vosotros”. Nor do we pronounce the “C” or the “Z”. For example, a shoe for a canary sounds like a “sapato” and not as a “zapato”. And we also aspire the “s” at the end of each word, we do not say it complete. Well, once this small summary is done, we are going to mention some of the best-known Canarian expressions.
1. ¡Arráyate un millo!
In card games (mainly the envite game) it is used on the occasion of a success and to score points in the plays. In this case we are talking about grains of corn (millo in the Canary Islands). That’s where the expression comes from! Likewise, it is used to put an end to a discussion with irony, giving the reason to the one who argues (without believing that he has it). Finally, it is also used as a synonym for go to hell!
2. Vete a pulpiar a la marea (Gran Canaria)
It comes to be a synonym for, speaking badly and soon, fuck you! Or get away! For example, if someone is constantly bothering you, you can say: go to take some octopus to the tide (vete a pulpiar a la marea).
3. Jíncate un tuno (Gran Canaria)
As you may know, the prickly pear (tuno indio) is that fruit with spikes that comes from the cactus so common in the Canary Islands. And, when we say “jíncate un tuno”, which is literally “eat a prickly pear”, we refer to the same meaning as a go to hell! I mean, get out there!
4. ¡Estás bonito!
We usually use this Canarian phrase to show disagreement or refute an opinion of something that another person has said or done. If you think I’m going to do the job for free, you’re pretty (estás bonito)!
5. Arranca la penca / mándate a mudar / salpica
The meaning of “arranca la penca”, “mándate a mudar” and “salpica” is the same. These are imperative Canarian phrases that mean get out or leave now. Immediately! For example, “Stop bothering me! Salpica! All of them are very informal.
6. Cambarse la peluca
Cambarse la peluca is the same as party hard and have a lot of fun. I went out last night with my friends and me cambé la peluca. The verb cambarse is only used in the Canary Islands. It means to twist something.
7. Me vas a chiflar
The meaning of the Canarian phrase “Me vas a chiflar” is not difficult to guess. It means you’re going to drive me crazy.
8. El conejo me enriscó la perra o el conejo me riscó la perra
When we say this Canarian phrase we mean that something has gone wrong or that it has not gone as we had thought. It is very typical to say it in the Canary Islands.
9. Ay, ¡que me desalo!
When a canary says, Ay, “que me desalo!” It means that he or she is terrified. Every time I go to the Canarian Fest el Perro Maldito (the evil Dog) in Valsequillo, me desalo (I am so scared).
10. Se me fue el baifo
This is another of the typical Canarian phrases that we use to refer to the fact that we have forgotten or been confused with something. I started talking and “se me fue el baifo” with the time, so I’m going to be late. A baifo according to the Canarian lexicon is the baby of the goat.
Video of Canarian expressions
Below you can enjoy a short video about some of the above mentioned Canarian expressions with Canarian accent. We are waiting for you in our YouTube channel!
What do you think of these Canarian expressions? Will you use them if you visit Gran Canaria? Leave us a comment with some other Canarian expression that you know!
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