Recorrido por el supermercado en Colombia

What does “pasabocas” mean in Colombian Spanish?

Spanish has different words for “snacks” depending on which country you’re in. Colombia uses pasabocas (literally “mouth-passers”), Spain says aperitivos, Mexico goes with botanas, Argentina prefers picada, and Peru leans on piqueos. The Colombian word covers everything from chips and nuts to small bites at a party. Pasabocas shows up on Colombian supermarket signs, in restaurant menus, and at any home gathering where finger food is served.

In this clip, a shopper walks through a Colombian supermarket and points to “la sección de pasabocas, papitas fritas y chucherías” (“the snacks section, chips and sweets”).