Further distinguishing Argentines from their South American counterparts is their flashy way of speaking. Argentines normally refer to the country’s official language as castellano rather than español, tweaking Spanish as you may know it into a unique tongue. Perhaps most obvious is the frequent use of vos in place of the tú form, and the pronouncing of “ll” and “y” as “zh” (sounds like the “s” is “asia”). Further distinguishing the Argentinean way of speaking is the colorful use of slang, much of which derives from lunfardo- an argot of the Spanish language which developed around the end of the 19th century in the lower classes of Buenos Aires, often used in the lyrics of tangos with references to the risqué lifestyles of the criminal underworld.
Some lunfardo/slang terms to look out for (but make sure you understand their meanings and use with caution: while fun to know, many slang terms can be very offensive if improperly dircted!):
fiaca- laziness (tener fiaca- to feel lazy)
guita- money
boliche- disco or nightclub
boludo- jerk, idiot, asshole (can be used in a friendly way but very insulting if used to a stranger!)
che- hey, very commonly thrown around
bondi- bus
buena onda- good vibes
carajo- asshole
chabĂłn/chabona- boy/girl, kid (endearing)
macanudo- fabulous, wonderful
mango- one peso, similar to “buck” in the US
masa- something awesome
manyar- to know / to eat
laburar- to work mina- woman
morfar- to eat
pendejo- idiot
piba/ pibe- cool young person, kid
piola- clever, neat
pucho- cigarette
re- very much so
¡Ponete las pilas!- Get going, get on with it!
diez puntos- fine, alright, cool
me mataste- I don’t know, I have no idea
le faltan un par de jugadores- he/she is not all there
che boludo- hey dude, about the most porteño greeting you could use
abrochado- married
achacar- to rob
vivo- person who gets away with things, a hustler
remera- t-shirt
alucinante- amazing or incredible
fifi- a fashion/image conscious man
zanagoria/ magallanes- idiot, fool
quemo- disreptuable
cachetada- snob
olfa- kiss-ass
hinchapelotas- annoying
garufero- fun person
rana- smart tatia- brave
algo voy a cerebrar- I'll think something up
chochamu- young man
gurĂ- boy
gurisa- girl
garpar- to pay with money
gomĂas- friends
engrupir- to fool
junar- to look to / to know
gomas- woman's breasts
maza- superb
curtir- to be involved in
zafar- to barely get by
trucho- counterfeit, fake
hinchapelotas- a way to say "breaking balls", for example when someone is getting on your nerves one might say, "Che, boludo no me hinchapelotas!" Meaning, stop irritating me!
cheto- snobby. stuck up
barbarro- great, cool, okay
guarda!- look out!
mina- a chic, a girl
tipo- a guy
quilombo- a mess
Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Argentina: Getting To and Away , The Economy of Argentina: Today, Traveling with Kids in Argentina, Services, Crossing into Brazil, Shopping, Getting To and Away, Safety, Safety and Senior Travelers.
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