Word of the Day: Cotufa

If you walk into a cinema in Tenerife and ask for palomitas (popcorn), they’ll still understand you. But if you want to sound like a true Canarian, try asking for cotufas. The word might sound funny, but it’s one of those local quirks that instantly marks you as “in the know.”

What Does Cotufa Mean?

Quite simply: cotufa = popcorn. The salty, buttery, crunchy kind you munch on during a movie.

But unlike in mainland Spain — where the standard word is palomitas de maíz (literally “little doves of corn”) — Canarians insist on their own version: cotufa.

Where Does It Come From?
The origin of cotufa is a delicious linguistic puzzle. Most linguists trace it back to English, of all places. Early American visitors and traders in the Caribbean brought with them “corn to fry.” Locals shortened, twisted, and hispanicized it until — voilà — cotufa.
That’s the Canarian way: take something foreign, give it a twist, and make it their own.

How Canarians Use It

Here are some everyday situations where you’ll hear it:

• “¿Compramos unas cotufas para la peli?” → Should we buy some popcorn for the movie?
• “A mi perro le encantan las cotufas.” → My dog loves popcorn.
• “No hay cine sin cotufas.” → There’s no cinema without popcorn.

Yes, it’s that essential.

Cultural Flavor: Cotufas Beyond the Cinema

In Tenerife, cotufas are not just for the movies. They’re also sold at local fiestas, street stalls, and even as snacks at football games. For kids, a paper cone of warm cotufas from a market vendor is as nostalgic as it gets.

Some locals even eat them sweet, drizzled with sugar or honey, making them more like caramel corn. (Warning: dangerously addictive).

A Day in Costa Adeje: Cotufa Moments

Picture this: you’re at the outdoor cinema in Costa Adeje, watching a film under the stars. Around you, locals aren’t just sipping Coca-Cola — they’re passing around giant bags of cotufas.

Or imagine a street fiesta in Adeje town: music, dancing, beer flowing, kids chasing balloons — and in the middle of it all, a man with a cart shouting: “¡Cotufas, recién hechas!” (Fresh popcorn!).

A Pinch of English Humor

Sure, in English we say “popcorn,” but it’s not nearly as fun as cotufa. The word itself pops like the snack. Say it out loud and you’ll see — it’s practically onomatopoeic.

It’s also one of those magic words that instantly makes locals smile when they hear a tourist use it. Try dropping it casually at a cinema or fiesta and watch the reaction.

Why Travelers Should Know It

Learning cotufa isn’t about survival Spanish. It’s about joining the island’s rhythm. It’s a conversation starter, a way to get closer to Canarian culture, and — let’s be honest — it’ll help you get the right snack at the right time.

Because no movie, fiesta, or football match in Tenerife is truly complete without cotufas.

Fun Fact

In Venezuela, they also say cotufas — proof of the Canaries’ long cultural ties with Latin America. If you ask for palomitas there, you’ll get blank stares.

So technically, ordering cotufas in Tenerife connects you not only with the islands but with a whole other continent’s popcorn lovers.

Life in Tenerife is about the little pleasures: sunsets, fiestas, and yes, bags of crunchy cotufas shared with friends. It’s a word that reminds you that language is living, fun, and sometimes a little salty.

So next time you’re in Adeje, don’t be shy. Order cotufas like a local — and maybe share them, if you’re feeling generous.

💬 Question for you:
What’s your go-to cinema snack — popcorn, nachos, or something totally different?