Miami is not just a city—it’s a whole vibe. Think sun-soaked beaches, late-night cafecito runs, and a Spanish-English blend you won’t hear anywhere else in the U.S. If you’ve ever been to the 305 and felt lost in conversation—even though you speak Spanish or English—you’re not alone. Miami boasts a local lingo firmly rooted in Cuban-American culture, full of Spanglish, slang, and catchphrases you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re new to the city, just visiting, or curious about what your Cuban-American acquaintance is raving about, this beginner’s guide to Miami slang will have you talking like a local in no time.
1. Miami Greetings & Common Expressions
¿Qué bolá?
Meaning: “What’s up?” / “How’s it going?”
One of the most famous Cuban expressions, this phrase is a Miami staple. You’ll hear it everywhere, often followed by asere (a friendly term, kind of like “dude”).
Dale
Meaning: “Let’s go” / “Do it” / “Okay”
Made famous worldwide by Pitbull, dale is the ultimate Miami word. It can mean “go ahead,” “alright,” or even “bye,” depending on context.
Oye
Meaning: “Hey” / “Listen”
Used to grab someone’s attention, like “Oye, bro, you coming or what?”
Fulah
Meaning: “Sketchy” / “Untrustworthy”
If someone is being fulah, don’t trust them.
2. Food & Cafecito Culture
Cafecito
Meaning: Cuban coffee, a tiny but strong espresso shot
Miami runs on cafecito. It’s served in a small cup with sugar, usually shared in mini-shots with friends.
Colada
Meaning: A larger serving of cafecito to share
If someone offers you a colada, they’re inviting you to share in a Miami coffee break.
Croqueta
Meaning: A crispy, fried Cuban snack
Miami residents are serious about their croquetas, and you’ll hear debates about where to find the best ones in town.
Pastelito
Meaning: A Cuban pastry
A sweet or savory pastry filled with guava, cheese, or meat. A classic Miami breakfast dish.
3. Miami Driving & Traffic Slang
Pinga
Meaning: A crude expletive
If someone cuts you off while driving, you might hear a Miami driver yell, “¡Esto es una pinga!” (Literally, “This is a dick!”, but used like “This sucks!” or “What the hell!”).
Tremenda mission
Meaning: A huge hassle
Parking in South Beach? Tremenda mission.
El turnpike
Meaning: The Florida Turnpike
Miamians call it el turnpike, blending English and Spanish seamlessly.
Janguear
Meaning: “To hang out”
From the English “hang out.” “We’re gonna janguear in Wynwood tonight.”
4. Miami Party & Beach Slang
La playa
Meaning: The beach
No one says “beach” in Miami. It’s always la playa.
Tremenda nota
Meaning: Really drunk or high
“Bro, that guy got tremenda nota last night.”
Un mojón
Meaning: A lie or exaggeration
If someone’s story is clearly made up, call them out with “Eso es un mojón.”
Litro
Meaning: A large bottle of liquor
“Grab a litro for the party.”
5. Miami Attitude & Personality
Mango
Meaning: Someone who’s really hot
“Bro, did you see that girl? Tremendo mango.”
Un comemierda
Meaning: Someone full of themselves
When someone is too boujee, they’re a comemierda.
Tírate
Meaning: “Come through”
“We’re at the pool, tírate.”
Pata sucia
Meaning: Someone who walks barefoot, especially in the club
If you take off your heels at the club and walk barefoot, you’ll be referred to as a pata sucia—and it’s not a good thing.
Final Thoughts – Speak Like a Local
Miami is more than just palm trees and nightlife—it’s a cultural melting pot where language takes on a life of its own. Cuban-American Spanglish is fast, loud, and full of flavor, just like the city itself.
So next time you’re in Miami, grab a cafecito, hit la playa, and don’t be afraid to drop a dale or qué bolá in conversation. You’ll fit right in.
What is your favorite Miami slang word? Spill in the comments!
