Chilean Quirks

Subtle Differences Between Cultures

Because I am living with a Chilean family, I have had the unique experience of looking at the Chilean culture with a sort of view from the inside.

Wear shoes in the house
In my house in the US, it is sort of an unwritten rule that we do not wear shoes. For as long as I remember, I have entered my house and immediately taken off my shoes. It's different in Chile. Because houses do not have central heating, you'll freeze without shoes, especially in the colder months (June-October). If you dine without shoes on with other Chileans, expect them to warn you about getting a cold. They'll probably make a big deal about it and send you away to retrieve your shoes. Even beyond that, depending on the family, could be a sign of disrespect.

Dry your hair before leaving
Chileans have accompanied my little Italian grandma in saying that if you go outside with wet hair, you'll get a cold. I never used a blow-drier before Chile, and am still not accustomed to using one even after three months of nagging from every family member.

Don't be surprised if you're "Gordo," "Flaco," "Negro"
If you're skinny, fat, tan, pale, you'll know it when you get to Chile. Chileans love to give nicknames based on physical appearance. They will openly refer to someone as "guatón" (obese one) and think nothing of it. Don't worry. It's not an insult; it's a term of endearment, or so they told me when I adopted the name "gorda."

Cut those spirals off of your paper before you turn something in
What!? It sounds ridiculous, I know, but handing something in to a professor with those annoying spiral-things is a sign of disrespect. If you are going to take classes in Chile, either buy paper with easy, clean tare or a little pair of scissors.