Summertime means movie time. It’s also popcorn time, amirite? Who doesn’t love/want/need a bucket of popcorn as a movie snack? But be warned: ordering popcorn across Latin America is a linguistic adventure in itself.
Each country has its unique term or name for the snack. From the whimsical “palomitas de maíz” in Mexico, translating to “little corn doves,” to the straightforward “pop” in Uruguay.
Did you know there are over 15 ways to ask for the crunchy treat? In fact, we found 18 and listed them here.
“Popcorn” across Latin America
The following list sums up the different ways to say “popcorn” across Latin America:
1. Palomitas de Maíz (Mexico and Nicaragua) – The most common term for popcorn in Mexico and Nicaragua, it translates to “little corn doves.” You can simply say “palomitas.” (But don’t order “palomitas” in Puerto Rico.)
2. Rosetas (Generic Term) – Used by the Royal Spanish Academy, “rosetas” is another generic term for popcorn.
3. Pochoclos (Argentina) – In Argentina, grab some “pochoclos” for your movie night!
4. Cabritas (Chile) – Chileans enjoy their popcorn as “cabritas.”
5. Pororó (Argentina and Paraguay) – Across these countries, “pororó” is the word for this crunchy snack.
6. Pop (Uruguay) – Uruguayans keep it simple with just “pop.” We love this!
7. Cotufas (Venezuela) – In Venezuela, it’s all about “cotufas.”
8. Crispetas (Colombia) – Colombians enjoy “crispetas,” which can also refer to sweet popcorn made with panela.
9. Cocaleca (Dominican Republic) – Also spelled “cocaleka,” Dominicans call it “cocaleca.”
10. Maíz Pira (Colombia) – Another Colombian term, “maíz pira,” celebrates this tasty treat.
11. Poporopo (Guatemala) – Guatemalans enjoy their popcorn as “poporopo.”
12. Canchitas or Canchas (Peru) – In Peru, it’s all about “canchitas” or “canchas.”
13. Canguil (Ecuador) – Ecuadorians savor their popcorn as “canguil.”
14. Gallitos (Venezuela, Northwestern) – In northwestern Venezuela, it’s “gallitos.”
15. Maíz Tote (Colombia) – Colombians have yet another term: “maíz tote.”
16. Millo (Panama) – Panamanians enjoy their “millo.”
17. Rositas de Maíz (Cuba and Dominican Republic) – In Cuba, and for some in the DR, it’s “rositas de maíz.”
18. Pipocas (Bolivia) – Order a bucket of “pipocas” when you’re in Bolivia.
Bonus: When all else fails, try the English word “popcorn” (and variations like “popcon” and “posco”). It’s commonly used in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Uruguay, and the Spanish-speaking United States.
