The Filipino greeting "Mabuhay" which means "To Live" or "Long Live..." is rarely used. This greeting is commonly used for tourism purposes, formal letters, political rallies or to motivate people in a formal or government affair.

In Cagayan de Oro, when meeting a friend or a new acquaintance, one usually greets "Kumusta?" or "Kumusta ka?" (From the Spanish term Como Estas or How are you?). If you want to thank someone, you say "Salamat" which is basically understood all over the country. To politely say "Please", you say "Palihug". To say "Your Welcome", you say "Walay Sapayan". One would say "Tsada" to appreciate something nice, beautiful or pleasant. "Tsada" is a unique word to Cagayan de Oro. Filipinos are not familiar with the terms restroom or bathroom. Instead say C.R. or Comfort Room. To bid farewell, you simply say "Bye Bye".

The Cebuano language is influenced by Spanish. Cebuano dates, time and some numbers are in Spanish. Example : Time - 2 o'clock (Alas Dos), Date - May, Monday (Mayo, Lunez), Numbers - Ten (Diez).

Cebuano spoken in Cagayan de Oro is not entirely the same with Cebuano spoken in Cebu. The tone and accent are slightly different. Some words and expressions are used differently. However the differences are negligible.