Spanish content creator @ramonteli has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok after posting a viral video that humorously shares his encounter with Cuban women in Miami. His opening line didn't go unnoticed: “The most overwhelming part of Miami is the Cuban women.” The young man from Andalusia expresses his surprise at their warm interactions. “You go to buy something, and a 50-year-old lady calls you ‘papi, mi amor.’ Lady, I don’t care if you’re 50, I get flustered faster than a phone on the beach. A little restraint, please,” he jokes. “In Spain, a cashier asks, ‘Do you want a bag?’ Here, it’s ‘Papi, do you want a bag? My love, do you want a bag?’”
The video has surpassed a million views, sparking a torrent of comments, mostly from Cubans who humorously explain that such affectionate language is part of their culture and has no hidden motives. "Don't get your hopes up, little Spaniard. We call everyone ‘my love,’ ‘my life,’ ‘my heart,’ even the bread seller," one user wrote. Another warned him with laughter: "Don't go to Cuba, asere, or we'll lose you."
A Cuban woman living in Europe commented, “I'm in Spain, and I’ve stopped calling anyone ‘my love’ because they think I’m flirting.” Other Spaniards chimed in: “In Málaga, they say ‘mi alma’ and no one bats an eye. I don't understand why you’re so shocked.”
Many defended the warmth of Cubans with pride. “That’s just how we are. If we see you twice, we’ll make you coffee and offer you a mattress in the living room,” someone wrote. Another user added, “This is affection and respect, not flirting. It’s just our way of being.”
Some even challenged him to explore further: “Wait until you visit Medellín and hear the paisas. Then you really might not return to Spain.”
Despite the Spaniard's potentially provocative initial comment, most received it with humor. He himself responded to the comments, acknowledging the stir he had caused: “Thank you, José, you have no idea how overwhelmed I am,” he wrote, laughing at himself.
More than a critique, the video became a reflection of cultural differences and an inadvertent but clear celebration of the spontaneity, closeness, and warmth with which many Cubans interact in daily life. A unique way of saying “my love,” which, it seems, still leaves more than one European speechless.
Understanding Cuban Culture and Expressions
Why do Cubans use affectionate terms like "my love" so frequently?
In Cuban culture, using terms like "my love" is a common way to express friendliness and warmth. It is part of their social interactions and is not intended to be romantic or flirtatious.
How did the public react to the TikTok video?
The video received a humorous response from many viewers, with Cubans explaining their culture and others sharing their own experiences. It was mostly taken in good spirits as a reflection of cultural differences.
What cultural differences did the video highlight?
The video highlighted the difference in social interactions between Spaniards and Cubans, particularly how Cubans use affectionate language more freely as part of everyday conversation.