You should already know that in Argentina they speak Spanish. If you already speak some Spanish… great! However, if you’re going to successfully navigate the streets of Buenos Aires and strike up conversations with the locals, you’re going to want to learn some local slang. The Spanish spoken in Argentina is very different to that which is spoken in other Spanish-speaking countries; these words are examples of “lunfardo” in Argentina. Here are 10 words that you need to know before going to Argentina!
1. Boludo
The term “boludo” (or boluda for women) can mean a few different things, depending on the context. Usually, it is used between friends as a term of endearment (like saying “mate” or “buddy”), but it can also be used as an insult (like saying “idiot”). Here are some examples:
“¡Che, boludo! ¿Cómo andás?” – Hey man! How are you doing?
“¡Sos un boludo!” – You’re an idiot!
2. Che
The word “che” is basically used as a way of getting someones attention. It’s like saying “hey”.
“¿Che, me das una mano?” – Hey, will you give me a hand?
“¿Che, tenés la hora?” – Hey, have you got the time?
3. Quilombo
“Quilombo” can basically be translated to “chaos” or “hassle”. Argentina (especially Buenos Aires) is known for being very chaotic and often simple things are made more difficult!
“¡Che, se armó alto quilombo ayer en Capital!” – Hey, it was really chaotic in Capital yesterday
“Hubo mucho tráfico en la autopista, ¡fue un quilombo llegar hasta acá!” – There was loads of traffic on the motorway, it was a hassle to get here!
4. Piola
The word “piola” can be used in a couple of different ways. It can mean both “cool” and “good/ok”.
“Che boludo, me gusta tu nueva campera, ¡está re piola!” – Hey man, I like your new jacket, it’s really cool!
“¿Che querés otra birra o estás piola? – Hey, do you want another beer or are you good?
5. Wacho/Guacho
“Wacho” (or wacha for females) is basically another way of saying “mate” or “dude”. It can be written with both a “w” or a “g”.
“¿Qué onda wacho?” – What’s up man?
“¡Wacho no seas boludo!” – Don’t be an idiot man!
6. Re
In most Spanish-speaking countries, the only way of saying “very” or “really” is “muy”. However, in Argentina, the word “re” can replace both “muy” and “mucho”. It can also be used to say sort of “yes definitely!”. Here are some examples:
“¡Estoy re enojado!” – I’m really angry!
“¡Me re gustó el regalo que me hiciste, amigo!” – I really liked the gift you gave me, man!
7. Pibe/Piba/Mina
“Pibe” (or piba/mina for females) is used to say guy/girl.
“El sábado me voy a juntar con los pibes” – On Saturday I’m going to meet up with the guys
“Ya no está con ella, la dejó por otra mina” – He’s not with her anymore, he left her for another girl
8. Manija
Literally, the word “manija” means “handle”. However, in Argentina, the word is also used to say “excited” or “happy”.
“¡Boludo estoy re manija por el concierto el viernes!” – I’m really excited for the concert on Friday, man!
“¡No aguanto más, estoy re manija!” – I can’t wait any longer, I’m so excited!
9. Zarpado
“Zarpado” can either mean “cool” or “rude”/”too much”. Here are some examples:
“La fiesta ayer estuvo re zarpada” – The party yesterday was really cool
“Es un zarpado, siempre dice cosas desubicadas” – He’s rude, he always says things that are out of place
10. Luca
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine Peso. “Luca” is used to say 1000 pesos. For example:
“¿Che, me prestás dos lucas?” – Hey man, can you lend me 2000 pesos?
“Está re cara esa remera, sale cincuenta lucas” – That t-shirt is really expensive, it costs 50,000 pesos
Really interesting and very useful, thank you for the article!!! I will try to use these words when I travel to Argentina next month 🙂