Slang

1. Aupa!

   Hey! / hi there

   Usage

   The most common casual greeting in the Basque Country — fine with friends or shop staff. Also a cheer: "Aupa Athletic!"

2. Aizu!

   Hey, listen

   Usage

   From the imperative of "entzun" (to listen). For getting a friend's attention — with a stranger use "Barkatu"

3. Jo!

   Ugh! / oh come on

   Usage

   A mild interjection of dismay or exasperation. Not crude — safe with anyone

4. Bai zera!

   No way! / nonsense

   Usage

   Literally "yes, that!" but it means the opposite — a firm denial. Banter with friends, not with elders

5. Primeran!

   Great! / perfect

   Usage

   Colloquial for "very well" — also an answer to "Zer moduz?". Safe with anyone

6. Ederto!

   Nice one!

   Usage

   Common in the Bizkaian dialect around Bilbao; the Batua form is "Ederki". Safe with anyone

7. Ondo pasa!

   Have a good time!

   Usage

   The standard parting line — for friends and for staff as you leave

8. koadrila

   Your regular friend group

   Usage

   The fixed friend group people keep from childhood — the centre of Basque social life, and the unit that decides weekend plans. Safe with anyone

9. poteoa

   Bar-hopping

   Usage

   From "pote" (a glass) — one drink per bar, then on to the next. The classic Basque evening; fine as an invitation to anyone

10. txikiteoa

    Txikiteo (wine bar-hopping)

    Usage

    Hopping bars with a "txikito" (small glass of wine) at each — the older generation's word for poteoa. Note the "tx"

11. pintxo-potea

    Pintxo-pote (drink + snack deal)

    Usage

    The cheap Thursday-night deal in many towns: one pintxo plus a drink. Say it straight to the bartender

12. Txotx!

    Txotx! (the cider-barrel call)

    Usage

    The call at a cider house ("sagardotegia") when a barrel is opened — grab your glass and go to the barrel. A January-to-April ritual. Safe with anyone

13. zuritoa

    Zurito (a small glass of beer)

    Usage

    A beer of about 100 ml — the size you order when you plan to move on. Say it straight at the counter

14. kalimotxoa

    Kalimotxo (red wine and cola)

    Usage

    Invented in Bizkaia in the 1970s and now drunk all over Spain; a fiesta staple. Note the "tx"

15. katxia

    Katxi (the big festival cup)

    Usage

    The litre-sized plastic cup kalimotxo is served in at fiestas. Youth slang originally, but everyone uses it. Note the "tx"

16. Akabo!

    That's it, it's over

    Usage

    Colloquial for "that's finished". Said about a situation, never aimed at a person

17. Hor konpon

    You sort it out then

    Usage

    Dismissive. Fine as a joke between close friends, but said seriously it sounds cold — never use it with strangers or staff

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