How to Say "Popcorn" in Spanish

Quick Answer

Palomitas de maíz(popcorn), or simply palomitasis the standard Spanish term for popcorn across the Spanish-speaking world. But it is by no means the only one! In this article, you’ll learn about some of the different names Latin Americans have for popcorn, as well as some other useful words related to everyone’s favorite movie snack. Let's get popping!

Questions This Article Answers

What is popcorn called in Spanish?

What is popcorn called in Chile?

What is popcorn called in Panama?

What is popcorn called in Mexico?

How do you order popcorn in Spanish?

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Palomitas: The Standard Term

First things first: No matter where you are in the Spanish-speaking world, you can use palomitas de maíz— or the shortened version, palomitas—to refer to popcorn, and most folks will know exactly what you're craving.

The term—which literally means little corn doves—is the most wide-spread term for popcorn. It’s the name you’ll see in many cines(movie theaters), quioscos(concession stands), and on package labels for palomitas de microondas(microwavable popcorn).

Yet, just like some folks in the English-speaking world might say soda while others say soft drink, pop, or Coke, there are other ways to say popcorn in Spanish depending on where in Latin America you are.

Regional Names for Popcorn in Spanish

Latinoamérica (Latin America) boasts a rich linguistic landscape, so it should come as no surprise that popcorn is known by many other different names across the region.

Below are a few regional terms you can use if you want to sound like a local the next time you’re ordering palomitas!

Term	Country
cabritas	Chile
canguil	Ecuador
canchitas	Peru
cocalecas	Dominican Republic
crispetas	Colombia
cotufas	Venezuela
maíz pira	Colombia
millo	Panama
pipocas	Bolivia
pochoclo	Argentina
pororó	Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina
pop	Uruguay
poporopo	Guatemala
poscón	Puerto Rico
rositas	Cuba

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Palomitas or Popcorn?

If you are an English speaker, you might have an easier time sounding like a local in certain places than others. That’s because in some countries—like Panamá(Panama), for example—one of the most popular terms for popcorn is simply…popcorn!

Vocabulary Related to Palomitas

Palomitas by themselves are delicious enough, but perhaps you're craving that extra dash of flavor? How about asking for some sal(salt) and mantequilla(butter) to top them off? Here are some other words related to popcorn that might come in handy when you're at the quiosco or cine:

Spanish	English	Example	Translation
aceite	oil	Usé aceite vegetal para hacer el millo.	I used vegetable oil to make the popcorn.
casero	homemade	Prefiero las palomitas caseras a las del cine.	I prefer homemade popcorn to those from the movie theater.
mantequilla	butter	Quiero mis palomitas con mantequilla.	I want my popcorn with butter.
microondas	microwave	Mete la bolsa de palomitas en el microondas por tres minutos.	Put the popcorn bag in the microwave for three minutes.
palomitas caramelizadasor palomitas acarameladas	caramel corn	Siempre pido palomitas caramelizadas en el cine.	I always order caramel corn at the movie theater.
sal	salt	Les falta sal a estas cotufas.	This popcorn needs more salt.
salado	salty	Las crispetas están muy saladas.	The popcorn is really salty.