Bacán

Question

Is this used universally or just in south america? I have a friend in Chile that uses it like I would say "cool" or "sweet" as a exclamation of positive enthusiasm, but that doesn´t quite correspond to the the SpanishDict definition of the word. Can it be used many ways?

Se usa esta expresión en todo latino américa o no más en suramerica? Tengo un amigo chileno que lo utiliza como yo usaría "cool" o "sweet" en ingles, para exclamar entusiasmo positivo, SpanishDict da a entender otra cosa...se puede usar de muchas maneras'

Answer 1

I have only heard this expression in my native Cuba.

Bacán= chévere= Que cachondeo

Answer 2

It's an excellent example for two reasons: 1) Variations exists in spanish regionalmente, and (the most important) 2) There exists a whole body of words, phrases, combinations that you just won't find in a dictionary. I love it when people ask these questions! I've never heard that word, but I'm glad you asked because I just learned something!

Answer 3

They also use it a lot in my native Colombia, specially in Medellín, by middle class people. They say things like: "Hola bacán", "El hombre es un bacán", and the meaning of it is always the same: cool, chévere.

• I like that...I never heard it before. I only know one columbian, and he's an older man. He's probably not to use that form of speech! - ChamacoMalo Sep 26, 2009

Answer 4

Does anyone use "buena onda" for a "cool person"?

"Mi novia es muy buena onda."

Or how about: "padre" or "chilo"?

Esa canción está chilo.

• Those are used in Mexico - RicardoP Sep 26, 2009
• Yea these are what I use for "cool" where I live. - Daniel Sep 26, 2009