YOUR MUST-HAVE DICTIONARY FOR VISITING LANZAROTE

Planning a trip to the island of Lanzarote? If the answer is yes, all we can say is you’ve made a great decision!

Get ready to enjoy a unique experience in a destination that’s full of contrasts, with its volcanic landscapes, golden sandy beaches and whitewashed towns and villages. A real treat for the eyes. In addition to exploring its amazing landscapes, you’ll discover a culture that has its own particular pace, and of course, typical words and phrases that reflect the Canary Islands’ rich heritage.

Although Spanish is the official language, as in the rest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote has its own local words and expressions that you won’t hear anywhere else in the world. To make your trip even more authentic and get you feeling like a true conejero —the term used to refer to people who are born on Lanzarote— we’ve come up with a glossary of terms that will be useful during your stay. So, read on and become an expert in the language of Lanzarote!

 

 

Basic words you need to know

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the people of Lanzarote have their own dialect that reflects the history and traditions of the Canary Islands. Below are a few of the most commonly used terms:

• Conejero: As we said above, this is the term used to refer to those people born on Lanzarote. If you’re called a conejero, take it as a compliment – you’re part of the island!
• Guanche: This term refers to the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands, who lived there before the arrival of the European colonists. Today, it is used in reference to the islands’ indigenous roots.
• Timple: A musical instrument that is typical of the Canary Islands, similar to a ukulele. You’ll hear it at local festivals and celebrations. It’s the sound that accompanies fun and laughter in the Canary Islands!
• Guagua: Whilst in the rest of Spain the word for a bus is autobús, here this type of public transport is known as a guagua. It’s one of the most representative words of the Canary Island dialect.
• Jable: This is the word used to describe the white sand that you’ll find on many of Lanzarote’s beaches.
• Pelete: Although the Canary Islands are renowned for their warm climate, it can sometimes get chilly, especially after dark or in mountainous areas. If you hear someone exclaim ¡Fuerte pelete!, it means that the temperature has dropped considerably.
• Tenderete: Are you a party animal? A tenderete is a party in true Canary Island style, with lots of music, food, drink and fun. If you get invited to one, you won’t want to miss out!
• Ños: This is a very versatile word that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Depending on the context, it can express surprise, amazement or even satisfaction. For instance, if someone says, Ños, fuerte pelete, they mean “Goodness, it’s freezing!”

 

Useful expressions when talking to the locals

Now you’ve mastered the basics with a few essential words, let’s take things to the next level with a few Canary Island expressions that will help you become even more of a local:

• ¡Eres un puntalillo!: If someone says this to you, you can rightly feel proud of yourself! It means that you’re really adept at something, and is a way of acknowledging your skills or efforts.
• Le falta una papita pa’l kilo: This amusing expression is used to refer to someone who is slightly immature or has a bit of a screw loose. Just the thing for joking with friends.
• Nos tomamos la arrancadilla y nos vamos: You’ll hear this phrase when out partying or enjoying a drink in a bar and is used to refer to the last drink before heading home. But all too often that “one final drink” may last a while – because the locals really do know how to have a good time!
• Me añugué: If you ever feel that something has got stuck in your throat whilst eating, you can say “me añugué”. It’s the local expression for describing this uncomfortable sensation.
• ¡(Ar)ráyate un millo!: Millo is the word used in the Canary Islands for “corn”. Literally, this expression means “scrape a grain of corn”, which is basically a time-consuming and fairly useless activity. Figuratively, it’s like saying “Stop bothering me!” It has the same kind of mocking or humorous tone as other expressions like ¡Vete a freír chuchangas! (literally: “Go and fry snails”) and is used to jokingly get rid of someone.
• Estoy abolla or abollao: This is the perfect expression after a heavy meal when you can’t eat another thing. It means that you are absolutely full.
• Se me fue el baifo: This curious expression is used when you forget something or get distracted. Literally, it means “I lost the baby goat”, but what you’re really saying is that you have forgotten or lost track of what you were doing.
• Se te cambió la peluca: If you’ve had one too many drinks on a night out, someone might say to you “¡Se te cambia la peluca!”. It means that you’ve gone overboard – eating, drinking or with other types of activity.

 

 

Gastronomy on Lanzarote: Learn the lingo and savour the flavours!

One of the best ways of learning about the culture of a destination is through its gastronomy, and Lanzarote is no exception. Besides its volcanic landscapes and beaches, you’ll be fascinated by the island’s cuisine. Here are a few essential words for true foodies:

• Sancocho: A traditional Canary Island dish with salted fish as its main ingredient. Served with potatoes, sweet potato and mojo sauce, it’s one of the islands’ best-known and most popular dishes.
• Papas arrugadas: A classic Canary Island dish consisting of small potatoes boiled in their skins in very salty water, which gives them their unique “wrinkly” texture and delicious flavour. They are served with mojo sauce and are the perfect accompaniment for any meal.
• Mojo: Talking of mojo, this is the sauce that is served with many dishes in the Canary Islands. There are two main types: red mojo (which is hotter), and green mojo (a milder sauce normally made with coriander). An absolute must for any meal in the Canary Islands.
• Gofio: A staple food in the Canary Island diet, consisting of toasted flour made from ground cereals such as corn or wheat. It can be used in sweet or savoury dishes and has been eaten in the Canary Islands since the times of the Guanches.
• Millo: This is the Canary Island word for “corn”. It’s not unusual to find it in traditional recipes or as an ingredient in a range of local dishes.

 

A final piece of advice: Don’t be scared to use these words!

Now that you have your brief Lanzarote dictionary at hand, you’re bound to feel ready for your adventure on the island. Lanzarote is filled with history and culture, and has a unique identity that is reflected not only in its architecture and landscapes, but also in the way people talk. The locals really appreciate it when visitors make an effort to use the islands’ typical expressions.

With this dictionary, you’re ready to get more out of your experience on the island, delving into its culture and connecting with its people. Have a happy stay on Lanzarote and don’t forget to treat yourself to a fun tenderete and a feast of papas arrugadas with mojo! And after your trip and this learning experience, you’ll be more than ready to discover whether you are a true citizen of Lanzarote.

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