[pronounced dee-AH-bloh rr-OH-ho]: a bus (literally: red devil)

The buses in Panama are called diablo rojos. All diablo rojos are privately owned, and painted by the owners in bright colors with images of their favorite stars or politicians. Some particular buses are so popular that people let other buses pass by going to their destination, to wait for their favorite!

[pronounced CHEE-chah]: juice

Instead of jugo, Panamanians and a few other countries use the word chicha.

[pronounced OO-nah PEEN-tah/OO-nah fr-EE-ah]: a beer (literally a cold one)

In addition to the word cerveza, you will hear people ask for una pinta or una fría when they want a beer.

[pronounced ehl CHEE-noh]: the corner store (literally: the Chinese)

Many Chinese people immigrated to Panama to help build the Panama Canal more than 100 years ago, and many corner stores are owned and run by chinos (Chinese people).

[pronounced BAH-mohs pwehs]: Let's go

Instead of just vamos to mean let's go, Panamanians often add pues at the end.

[pronounced oon BLAHNG-koh]: a cigarette (literally: a white one)

Panamanians are known for transforming the ch sound to a sh sound:

Example:
Panamanians: las osho de la noshe
Most everyone else: las ocho de la noche
Translation: 8 o'clock at night.
Translation: 8 o'clock at night.

Because of the American administrating of the Panama Canal zone for more than 80 years, the English language has infiltrated itself into Panamanian Spanish more than any other country in Central or South America.

Examples:

[pronounced rreh-LAHKS]

Instead of using the Spanish word relajado to mean relaxed, Panamanians often say:

[pronounced PDEE-tee]

Instead of using the Spanish words bonita, linda, etc., Panamanians often say