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Jun 20, 2023

Marco Rubio's favorite slang and other phrases unique to Miami

Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios We recently reported on a new FIU study

Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios

We recently reported on a new FIU study analyzing Miami's "distinct dialect," which utilizes phrases translated literally from Spanish to English.

Qué están diciendo: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who was born in Miami to Cuban parents, emailed us his pick: "Embarcated," translated from the Spanish "embarcado," meaning to ditch or stand up someone.

💊 A couple of readers tell us that Miamians "drink" their medicine or pills instead of "taking" them.

🕯️ George R. prefers to "turn on the candle" instead of lighting it. (In Spanish, "prender la vela" translates to "turn on.")

💵 Natalie S. says that at the checkout counter, the cashier might say, "It's five dollars with 23," if the total is $5.23.

The other side: Ohio native Ashley D. says her Miami-born husband pokes fun at her Americanisms, too, like when she's going to "run to the store" or " jump in the shower."

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